Jane DunnWhether you’re coming from a junior college or another university, transitioning to a new school can be both challenging and terrifying. Luckily, the University of Mississippi is constantly working to assist transfer students in acclimating to their new environment and feeling welcomed into the UM family. The following tips offer guidance through the transition process.
1. Reach out to advisers and mentors
An academic adviser or any trusted faculty member can be reached before arrival on campus to ensure everything regarding academics is ready. Whether you’re transferring from a community college or a four-year university, making sure all your previous earned credits align with your UM degree path checklist is vital to ensure success. This can be made simple with the help of UM’s Transfer Course Equivalencies tool found under the Office of the Registrar tab on the UM website.
The Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience and UM’s admission counselors can assist with this adjustment. I also recommend finding a professor within your major to whom you can turn for questions once you begin classes.
2. Utilize public transportation
The Oxford-University Transit system is a free source of transportation available to all students and community members.
The shuttle system runs both on and off campus, including 14 area routes and three on-campus express routes. Whether you need a ride from your house, apartment complex or far commuter lots, the bus is both reliable and efficient.
Apple and Snapchat maps are the best tools for navigating your way around campus and locating classes. These will be your best friends during the first couple of weeks. I recommend walking around campus a couple of times before classes begin in order to avoid confusion the first day.
3. Take advantage of student resources
One amazing thing about UM is all of the free amenities it offers.
The J.D. Williams Library offers free tutoring in various subjects. The Writing Center and the Math Lab offer one-on-one consultations and group workshops. The Career Center is also a great tool for helping prepare graduates for their transition into the working world.
The South Campus Recreation Center and the Turner Center are amazing places for a lift, swim or pickup game. UM also offers access to tennis and pickleball courts year round. For those who love to run, hike or bike, the South Campus Rail Trail — also known as Whirlpool Trails — is a beautiful five-mile round trip with many side trails as well.
4. Seek community
Finding community is probably the hardest part of transitioning to a new school. Oftentimes, you’re coming in alone and just hoping for the best. It is easy to let fear and social anxiety keep you locked in your room, but you must step outside of your comfort zone to experience what UM has to offer.
There is an abundance of clubs and activities to join, from a Milk and Cookies Club to Fly Fishing Club. There truly is something for everyone. Get involved as soon as you can.
Also, there are religious-based groups for people of various faiths. Find one that speaks to you and connect with like-minded individuals.
If you consider yourself the sporty type, UM offers almost every sport in club or intramural form. This is a great way to stay active and meet others with interests similar to yours.
5. Get local
Immerse yourself in the Oxford community. Many events happen each week in our small city, offering opportunities to meet new people doing activities outside of campus.
Monday trivia at the Blind Pig gives the “fun fact friend” a chance to showcase their knowledge, Thursday night bingo at Moe’s BBQ can offer a wholesome study break, while the local farmer’s market — Oxford Community Market — brings fresh fruit and produce to town every Tuesday.
For those interested in poetry and art, the non-profit organization Iris Arts is always searching for new talent to showcase.
Trust the process of this experience. The ups and downs are going to make it all worth it in the end. Know that you’re not alone; there is a community out there waiting for you.
I highly recommend all transfer students join the Transfer Leadership Organization. This is an active community made up of and led by transfer students. They offer insight into everything that comes with the unique experience of transferring schools.
