Lessons learned as a transfer student

Transfer students, this is for you. Chances are, when you decided which college to attend during your senior year of high school, you weren't thinking of leaving after a year or two. But things come up — such is life. 

As you are well aware, the decision to transfer is not an easy one. Having transferred to this university after my sophomore year, I feel your pain.

But you didn't do all of that hard work for nothing. Now that you're attending the No. 18 public university in the country, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report,  there are a few things you should think about as you begin the next few years of your life in College Park.

With a generally frustrating off-campus housing situation and a time-consuming effort to have your credits transfer, it is easy to get discouraged. However, incoming transfer students can do three things to offset the unpleasant aspects of changing schools and make the transition a bit smoother.

Learn the area

Hopefully, after learning that transfer students aren't guaranteed on-campus housing, you were able to find an affordable, livable space close by. Now it's time to get familiar with your surroundings.

Get information about the campus safety initiatives, public transportation and proximity to local grocery stores and other shopping. Also, College Park is just a short Metro ride away from Washington, so daytime excursions or short trips are essential. Once you get comfortable with the area, it allows you to worry about other things

Get involved

If you transferred because you wanted more interaction with your university and your peers, then get out of that apartment you're paying too much for and do something. Be it cultural, political or recreational, the campus is home to seemingly any type of organization you may want to join. Additionally, you now attend a university with a top athletics program, so join an intramural team and don't miss out on the big football and soccer games this semester.

Other great ways to get involved and meet new people include working with the campus media outlets, joining a fraternity or sorority, or venturing out to local restaurants and bars. But whatever you do, you're still a student, so try to keep some sort of focus on your academics.

Work and play

Finding a balance between your studies and your social life is crucial, but maintaining it will teach you restraint and help to make the most of your years at the university. If you find yourself suddenly slacking in a couple of courses, it's time for an intervention. Study groups with friends from class, office hours with your professors and meetings with your advisers are all things that will help in your quest for good grades. 

Tyler Davila, who transferred to the university in the fall of 2007, found and maintained that balance quickly. 

"I had an idea what to expect. I knew how much time I needed for studying," the senior education and English major said. "I've always had to work in school, so I kind of knew how to balance the two." 

Though the initial time and effort to get situated is a hassle, come graduation day, the end result will certainly have been worth it. As long as you remember to get involved with your peers, keep a steady focus on your schoolwork and break as few laws as possible, the next few years should be ones you won't want to forget.

ga@umdbk.com