Transfer student at McGill (sophomore)...Will it be hard to make friends?

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>Hello everyone.</p>

<p>I will be entering the University of Illinois-Chicago Fall 2012 as a Freshman major in Biology (pre-med). It was sort of a last-minute thing for me as I initially wanted to go away, but the rising costs of out-of-state tuition in the U.S. never allowed that to happen. So, that's why I am stuck at UIC for a year.</p>

<p>However, more recently, when I was thinking about unversities in Canada, I stumbled upon Mcgill. I instantly fell in love with the school for three reasons: 1) Great medical/life sciences department/s (my niche), 2) Low international tuition ($16,000 for a Bachelor's in Arts and Science?! I pay more in-state at UIC!!!), and 3) Of course, Montreal is party galore with the legal drinking age being 18.</p>

<p>With all that being said, I am positive that McGill is the place I want to be when I'm prepping for med school. And no, I'm not an immature American wanting to try his first beer. I have been drinking for quite some time now. I just think that life in a big city where 18 year olds are treated as adults suits me best. Add that to the fact that Montreal is a very liberal town and slightly inexpensive to live in, and I'm sold.</p>

<p>But most of all, it's about academics and that's why McGill is drawing me in.</p>

<p>However, coming from the U.S. a second-year transfer, I fear that it will be hard to make friends for two reasons: 1) Most second-year students already left campus and are living in the McGill "ghetto" or other off-campus apartments, and 2) Most "friend" circles have already been made.</p>

<p>Maybe I am fearing that a little too much as I am generally a very out-going individual who loves an adventure. </p>

<p>I just want to hear the opinions of current college students.</p>

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<p>From my experience, most friendships on-campus are made by putting yourself out there, joining clubs, etc. I’m in second year right now and literally had NO friends last year. I didn’t join any clubs, I didn’t live in residence…the only people I knew were a couple of people I went to high school with that happened to be in some of my classes. This year I knew I didn’t want to be the loner that I was last year, so I joined a student-run organization and now have a solid group of people that I can call my friends, from this organization alone. Not only that, but only one out of the group is a first-year student. We have transfer students as well who didn’t know anyone before joining. Really, it’s up to you :slight_smile: you sound like you’re really driven and willing to put effort into meeting people. As long as you put yourself out there, I’m sure you’ll be just fine.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the reply.</p>

<p>Based on your answer, I think i’ll do fine as long as I stay out-going. So basically, just be yourself? lol</p>

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<p>Exactly! Just be yourself and show everyone how great you are!</p>

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<p>canada sucks</p>

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<p>I just stumbled upon this thread and wanted to mention: given that you’re an outgoing individual, you should have no problem whatsoever making new friends and such.</p>

<p>I transferred to McGill after a year at another university (I transferred for location reasons, not so much academics) and had no problems adjusting. The great thing is that there are many people at McGill whose first year is what would be considered the sophomore year at an American university, either because they are coming from a Quebec CEGEP or because they have advanced standing from having done the IB or A-levels. I had a fantastic time at McGill and made some very good friends along the way.</p>

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<p>Just wondering, does McGill let second year transfers stay in Rez? If not, would it be hard to find people to get an apartment with?</p>