Slow Down. Take a Breath.

Many transfer students start at UCSB feeling like they are already behind. They worry that students who have been here longer (e.g., since their freshman year) have a head start or academic advantage. Transfers often lament that students who have been here since the start of their academic careers have already made their friend groups so why bother trying to get close to anyone. And they sometimes feel overrun by all of possible things to do--so many fun and interesting things to do but so little time to fit them all in!

The reality is that you have plenty of time to do all that you want to do academically, make deep and abiding friendships, develop your personal interests and hobbies outside of the classroom, and enjoy what Santa Barbara has to offer. Here's how to take control of your worries and make a plan of action to get all that you want out of your time here:

• Get guidance on developing an academic plan. Remember that while others were exploring their path here, you have also been going to school and you too have already started on your path to discovering your interests, your passions, and your future career focus. Now you just need to know how to carve a path forward here at UCSB. Meeting with a Transfer Center academic advisor is a good place to start! Go explore the majors you are interested in and talk to advisors in those departments too. And don't forget to check out the student orgs or clubs that are affiliated with those majors--student feedback about the major can also inform how you make choices along the way. 

 

• Get out and meet people. Even if you are here at UCSB for only 2 more years, 2 years is a long time to go without local social connections. Having close relationships here will help you to enjoy UCSB more and these folks will serve as an important buffer of support when things get challenging along the way. Check out our tips for breaking into the social scene both on and off campus.

@UCSBMentalHealthPeers Transfer Experience:
Feels impossible #ThisBoxShouldBeBigger #IGotThis
#GottaMakeDo #TransfersGottaStickTogether #TransferExperience #UCSB

• Get involved. With over 500 student clubs and organizations on campus there is an abundance of extracurricular activities that will allow you to continue your existing hobbies and passions as well as build new ones. Some transfer students find that the orgs or clubs on campus aren't a good fit for them and they want to explore other social groups in the Santa Barbara community. Check out some of the ways to find the groups that best fit for you.  

• Pace yourself! There are only so many hours in the day, week, month, year. So plan for what is doable and go for it. Finding balance begins with setting realistic goals for yourself, not only for your academics but for other aspects of your life. Set priorities for each term. Then consider new things to try out as you go along.