Being a transfer student at ASU

You won’t feel like a freshman all over again

Surprisingly enough while you’ll technically be a new student, you’re already geared with the knowledge you need from your previous institution. If you’re like me and have an associate’s degree, you’re already equipped with all the tips and tricks on how to be a successful student.

 Even if you didn't get a degree and just took a couple of classes before transferring, you still have a better understanding of how college classes work. You essentially did a test drive before going full throttle, and seeing as you took the extra step to transfer to a four-year college, you’re doing great!  Feeling a lapse in confidence might happen, due to not knowing where your classes are or not knowing general information learned at freshman orientation. It's important to remember that pursuing higher education, regardless of where you started off, is about you and your success, not anyone else's. 

Getting involved is just as easy

With countless student organizations, sororities and fraternities on campus, getting involved will come easy. Even attending ASU sporting events is a small way to get involved on campus and feel more at home. The thing you should not do, however, is compare your student experience to someone else's. Joining a club or Greek life can be amazing, but doing so for the wrong reasons isn't. If getting involved in this way isn’t your thing, that's okay. It's your college experience; live it how you choose to.

Picking classes will be tough

Seeing that dreadful ‘unable to add class to schedule’ comment might appear more than once on your MyASU class search.

Depending on where your first institution was, you can either transfer over full credits you’ve earned, or have to start back from zero. When it comes to picking classes, you may even end up having to retake courses you’ve already passed too.  This can be extremely frustrating, so it's always best to speak to your advisor on what courses you should take and how they’ll affect your graduation date.

Feeling like an outcast

While each of us made the decision to either start at a four-year or community college, you may feel like an outcast at some point. Whether this is from other students, professors or your own anxiety creeping up on you, it’s important to acknowledge that every student is feeling the same way.  Not dwelling on this sense of being an outsider will help you acclimate faster to the ASU student body and culture.

It’s important to remember that just because you picked a different route in your academic career, doesn't mean you are any less deserving of being  an ASU student.

- By Quianna Tyler, Human Resourcing for Business, BA '20