Transfer Students
The transition to college can be challenging but making the transition
as a transfer student often comes with its own unique set of challenges. Remember,
it may feel difficult at first, but it will get easier! There are resources
and people at U-M who are ready and willing to help. Here are a few of
the challenges you may face and tips for easing the transition:
Look for your orientation packet in the mail
Once you’ve been accepted, you will receive a packet with important information about orientation. This will also include a helpful checklist to help guide you through the transition.
Connect with other students
It can be challenging when you feel older than other incoming students, social circles have already been established, or you’re away from your support system at home. A few tips:
- Resist the urge to go back to your hometown on the weekends. A great way to meet people and become familiar with the area is to just explore what Ann Arbor has to offer.
- With such a large student population, U-M has a student organization to match almost any interest. To find a group with similar interests as your own, visit Maize Pages. Also, Festifall, Northfest, and Winterfest are large events held each year to showcase student groups on campus.
- If you’re an LS&A student, check out Transfer Connections, a mentoring program that aims to ease your transition.
- Read advice from former transfer students.
Tackle academic problems early
Many transfer students feel stress or anxiety around academics, whether it’s fitting all of your classes into 2-3 years instead of 4, or the increased workload and academic expectations. Speaking with your academic advisor early and taking advantage of office hours are great ways to prevent academic trouble. Find other academic tips on this site or see what former transfer students had to say on this topic.
Take care of your mental health
- Counseling and Psychological Services provides free counseling services for enrolled U-M students
- Explore this site to find other mental health and support services as well as helpful management strategies.
Take advantage of other resources available to you
- The Office of New Student Programs - Information about orientation and advice from former transfer students, including “things you know now that you wish you would have known when you started at U-M”
- The Office of Undergraduate Admissions - Information that includes deadlines and procedures for transferring credits.
- The University of Michigan Community College Transfer Web Portal - Information includes student profiles, upcoming transfer student events, financial aid and deadlines.
