This time of year, it feels like everything is all about the freshmen. Advisers and professors assure them that classes feel small and that campus feels like home. The President of the university even takes the time to give an inspiring speech at commencement.
But let’s not forget those who are seasoned students dealing with the same transition: transferring schools.
Some students are from PSU branch campuses, some are from entirely different universities or countries and some didn’t transfer until senior year. Whichever category you fall under, the experience of transferring can be a little daunting.
“I was nervous at first that I would not be able to find my way around, and coming in as a junior that I would be behind when it came to joining clubs and getting involved on campus,” says senior accounting major Allison Monkman.
At first glance, UPark can be a little intimidating. Sure, branch transfers are technically going to the same school, but something about coming to the main campus is different. How do you adjust to moving to such a big place? Senior marketing major Madelyn Koch offers some sound advice.
“Don’t listen to everything you hear. People told us that our classes would be so big and we would become lost and just a number, but that was not the case. I found that in most of my classes for my major that my professors made an effort to get to know each student’s name and get us involved in class,” says Koch.
Once you look a little closer, you will find that professors, organizations and UPark natives welcome transfer students with open arms. The key is taking the time to look at the bigger picture: everyone at Penn State is part of the Penn State family.
To put it simply, “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” says senior public relations major Allie Greenberger. “Don’t be nervous about the little things, just get involved and you will meet people and find your way.”
So from the Valley staff to you, welcome to Happy Valley!
Photo by Amanda Hunt
