| Written by Alana B. |
The following are some tips for transfer students!
Take a tour.
While this tip may seem like common sense at first, it’s often a step that a lot of transfer students skip. One of my biggest regrets as a transfer student is not taking a tour of the campus prior to starting classes. As a result of not taking a tour, I wasn’t familiar with the campus and got lost on the first day. Campus tours are facilitated by an ambassador leader and they give you a chance to get to know the campus from the perspective of a student. If your interested in taking a tour you can register here.
Go to New Student Orientation.
In coming to Rutgers–Camden as a transfer student, you already have knowledge about the college experience; however, every college is different and it’s important to familiarize yourself with your new school. During New Student Orientation, you will attend the Raptor Welcome and receive information about the campus, different clubs and organizations, and student support resources you will have access to.
Get active!
Getting involved on campus is the best way to meet new people. Ambassador leader Myiah G. started at Rutgers–Camden her sophomore year after transferring from another four-year institution. She described her Raptor Welcome experience as “a great way to meet [people from] all the different clubs and organizations on campus.” During Raptor Welcome, you will be able to meet every organization offered on campus. With everything from athletics and Greek life to professional and cultural organizations, you’re sure to find something that interest you.
Learn from your mistakes.
As you transition into Rutgers–Camden, keep in mind all the lessons you learned from your previous school. Unlike first-year students, transfer students already have experience in a university or college setting. The benefit of starting as a transfer student is that your experiences, regardless of whether or not they were positive or negative, prepare you to handle anything that’s thrown at you here. Consider transferring a fresh start. Keep in mind all that you learned to help you be the best you can be here at Rutgers–Camden. Personally, when I came to Rutgers–Camden as a transfer student from Camden County College, I re-evaluated my study habits. In order to ensure I did well as a student, it was important for me to figure out what did and didn’t work for me.
You matter.
As a transfer student, it’s easy to feel overlooked when the majority of activities and events center around making the first-year students feel welcome and comfortable. Always remember that your experience as transfer student is just as valuable. The transfer population at Rutgers–Camden is large and you’re likely to have multiple transfer students in your classes. Try making connections with them to help make the transitioning process a little easier.