The Story
College is Better the Second Time Around
Starting college is a stressful time in life. You’re jumping into a new school, a new environment, making new friends, and all without the support of your family or lifelong friends. It’s exciting, but nerve wrecking. Now imagine going through all that stress twice. Well, that’s what all the transfer students entering William and Mary this fall semester are about to do.
First of all let me just say, congratulations! You’ve made a brave decision and you just got accepted to one of the top schools in the country! Second, welcome to the Tribe family! You’re going to love being a part of it. But in case you’re still anxious, here’s some advice from those who have been in your shoes.
One of the seemingly more painful things about transferring is the demand for a second orientation. At my previous school, orientation was a blur of boring lectures, awkward interactions, and disappointing class scheduling. If this sounds at all familiar to you, you are in for a pleasant surprise.
“Go to orientation activities,” said recently graduated transfer student Elizabeth Bowman, (’10). “It’s the best way to meet other transfer and international students right from the beginning, and will show you lots of ways to get involved in other activities.”
Yes, some of the activities may seem a little silly, but if you throw yourself into the experience it can be rewarding. I met some of my best friends through orientation, including my roommate, and I know my experience was not unique.
Worried about getting into classes? No need. If you don’t get a class, go speak to the professor. William and Mary professors have been sympathetic and understanding of every transfer student I have heard of asking for an override and I’ve successfully done it several times. They are helpful, friendly people so don’t fear approaching them.
OK… the most dreaded and maddening issue: housing.
It is a sad fact of William and Mary life that housing is limited. Unlike at other colleges, no one is dying to get off-campus by their junior year here. No, instead housing lottery numbers are almost as precious as actual lottery numbers. For these reasons, William and Mary cannot guarantee housing for transfer students. As you probably know, most transfers end up living off-campus.
This may seem terrifying and frustrating. After all, we’re just as new to this campus as freshmen. Don’t panic. Living off-campus can actually be fun or at least novel. And remember, there are probably about 150 other people in your same position.
“If you get bumped from housing, don’t live alone,” said Nicole Higinbotham (‘11), “Find other transfers to live with.”
Use the resources available to you. We’re all aware of the wonders of Facebook. Create a Facebook group for transfers for your semester. It can be a great way to find a sweet apartment or an awesome roommate!
If your concern with housing is that you’ll feel like an exile living off-campus, the best remedy is to spend as much time as possible on campus. It may be tempting to nap at your apartment in the middle of the day, but make a coffee date or find a place to do homework instead to maximize your campus time. It will increase your productivity, strengthen your friendships and make you feel more connected to campus.
But the number one piece of advice every transfer gave?
“I know it sounds cliché, but get involved!” said Miden Wood (’12). “As soon as I started getting into different aspects of campus life, I made my closest friends here, and now I don’t walk across campus without seeing someone I know.”
Some even have specific recommendations.
“If you’re considering it or unsure about it, go Greek!” said Meredith Lovegrove (’11). “There’s an organization out there for everyone and William and Mary has everything from academic and honors fraternities to musical ones to social ones. [It’s a] great way to get involved, give back something to the community and meet lots of new people.”
If you want more advice or if you have other questions, check out the Transfer Student Ambassador (TSA) website and feel free to ask another transfer. This is your school now. You are now and forever a member of the Tribe and if you take advantage of what this school has to offer " as the TSA slogan says " college really will be better the second time around.