The Transfer Experience: The five things I wish I would have known my first semester

So, it’s been a year-and-half for me at USC and while I’m still getting used to being a member of the Trojan family, I have learned so many things here and I want to share them with you in order to make that transition from a transfer student to a Trojan easier.

1. Welcome Week

No, I didn’t go to Welcome Week, which is why I am telling you how important it is to go. Welcome Week is the official start of your time at USC.  Welcome Week is your time to learn about the culture and traditions of USC, learn about the academic and career resources offered at USC, and meet incredible people who will be riding along this journey with you.  Some events from past Welcome Weeks included a pool party, carnival, concert, and talks on how to get involved, career development, USC recreational sports, and Trojan traditions.  USC goes all out for its new and transfer students, to feel welcome, and to have a running start when the semester kicks off, so make sure to participate in this fun week of activities.

2. Visit Annenberg Career Development

I’m a junior and I’m still not quite sure what my future career will be, but Annenberg Career Development has helped make that picture a little clearer.  Annenberg Career Development not only helps current Annenberg majors find their future careers, but they help alumni as well.  They have also created Annenberg Career Link, an online database with hundreds and hundreds of job and internship opportunities that students and alumni have 24/7 access to.  Employers are also able to post job and internship opportunities on the site.  Annenberg majors can also have their cover letters and résumés reviewed and do mock interviews.  Before you leave USC, it’s so important to take advantage of all the great resources Annenberg Career Development offers.

3. Check out Little Galen

Imagine this, it’s the middle of the afternoon and your hungry, but where do you go?  The Campus Center has a lot of great options, but maybe you’re looking for something different, healthier and a little more bang for your buck.  Tucked behind Heritage Hall, Little Galen probably has some of the best food on campus.  Little Galen is the brain child of a partnership between USC Hospitality and USC Athletics, and it is one of the only places on campus that uses premium ingredients.  While it is open for breakfast only for Trojan athletics, fear not if you are not a part of that team, because Little Galen is open for all of us mere mortals form 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and I wouldn’t miss it.  Freshly made chicken, fish, quesadillas, steak…you can’t go wrong with any of the food options offered at Little Galen.

4. TransferMation Series

So, you’re a transfer student, your overwhelmed, and you have no idea what to do at USC, well I want to introduce you to the TransferMation Series.  TransferMation is a series of one-hour workshops that focus on the opportunities and resources that can help a transfer student make the most of their time here at USC. Past workshops included studying abroad, academic success, networking, and even how to make the most of your summer.  These workshops help answer the questions transfer students have when we arrive on campus.  They also represent an opportunity to meet other transfer students like yourself and create new bonds.

5. Relax

You have got to take a breath and relax.  Transitioning to a new school is hard and that’s normal.  Don’t overload your schedule with too many activities.  Go to the ones that really interest you and catch your eye.  Make sure to walk around campus, explore it and get lost.  It’s your school now.  From personal experience, I know that making friends as a transfer student can be really difficult, but there will be so many opportunities to meet people, whether it’s through class, workshops, welcome week, or even at the library, you will meet people.  Sometimes it just takes more time.  Also, don’t feel badly if you haven’t found your niche yet.  Finding where you fit in can be a long process (trust me I’m still looking), so explore everything USC has to offer.  Check out on-campus clubs, join a recreational sport, etc.  Try something different and be open to new things.  Make the most out of your time here, and by the time you look up, you’ll find your place, and even if you don’t, that’s totally fine as long as you enjoy your college experience.

Fight On and see you around!

-Avery Etuk