<p>I know the main reason to transfer shouldn't be to have a better social life, but personally I wouldn't want to downgrade from what I already have!</p>
<p>Are most schools the type where you make the majority of your friends the first year or so and after that you're done?</p>
<p>Are there any people who have transferred that could offer their experiences? Any tips for someone transferring to make friends and pick up a real social life?</p>
<p>Good question. I’d like to know this somewhat as well, lol.</p>
<p>I think most people do form their own cliques, yes. Are you transferring this year? I am a transfer student (and also possibly a transferring student again for fall '13). I could probably give you a better perspective in a month or so, haha. </p>
<p>Here’s the thing: </p>
<p>Before I went to orientation, I joined a Facebook group for my orientation. We got to know each other a bit and then randomly met them as orientation progressed. It was interesting, they were easy to get along with them, and fun. It’s an easier experience if you kind of know someone going in. </p>
<p>The people who turned out to be in my major: horrible, cocky, and stonerish people. Kinda hated them, but I was still extremely respectful of anything they had to say to me. If these are the people I have to work with in my classes, I might consider transferring out (although I understand you can find them anywhere). </p>
<p>My tip: Don’t be shy and chat it up. You won’t make any friends if you are afraid to talk to your classmates or to someone you don’t really know. I made maybe 50 friends last year my last year of community college by being more talkative than the first two years I spent there literally knowing only one or two people.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply!</p>
<p>I’d be transferring fall 2013 if I decide to. Honestly I don’t feel like I had that hard of a time making friends at my current school because we were all kind of in the same boat, you know? Now that I’ll be the odd one out who’s new in school I’m not sure how I’d make as many or as great of friends without being too… forceful haha.</p>
<p>And please do let me know how your transfer goes! Obviously I’m looking for any information I can get!</p>
<p>D1 was a soph transfer. </p>
<p>She applied to schools that she thought would be most conducive to having a good social life coming in late. One thing she looked for was colleges that had some sort of residential living situation, where most kids tended to stay on campus all 4 years. </p>
<p>She also tried to have as much contact in all aspects of college life her first year, academic and EC: study groups, interest groups, clubs, attending athletic events (even though not much of a rah rah person), even taking responsibility for the dorm kitchen. Anything to put her in contact with a range of other students.</p>
<p>Best of luck, you do have to make a conscious effort, but it is doable and worth it!</p>
<p>I’m a recent transfer. I opted for summer term instead of fall so it would be easier for me to adjust. I made a really great decision there bc they have only two dorm options for transfers and upper-level students. Shared an on-campus apt/dorm w three other women.
It worked out wonderfully! 2 of them were transfers like me and one was a returning student so it was a perfect situation. Also opting that term gave me a chance to adjust to a different city and the campus before it gets crazy in the fall.
I will admit…If I wasn’t put into that housing option I’d still be friendless on campus. I’ll admit it is very tough to make new friends as an incoming transfer especially if you tend to be more shy than most. </p>
<p>Sent from my iPhone using CC</p>
<p>entomom - Sounds like it’s best to get as involved as you can. Very doable, thanks for your input.</p>
<p>papertiger - It’s interesting that your college has a summer term. That’s a good idea for slowly getting to know your environment so you’re less stressed when all the other students come.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s difficult at all! I mean it really does have to do with your personality and if you’re the type of person to but yourself out there, for the most part I think students are welcoming and willing to always meet and make new friends. Just think positively and your experience will turn out positive! </p>
<p>I think it also helps to join organizations and or clubs, as well as getting to know whoever lives on your floor or with you!</p>