Transfer Advice Corner: Building Community
Transitioning to a new university like SDSU can be exciting and a bit overwhelming, especially for transfer students. But don’t worry, building a community here is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help you feel right at home.
Joining clubs and organizations is a fantastic way to dive into campus life. SDSU has many student groups catering to various interests, from academics and culture, to recreation and professional development. There are clubs for hobbies and sports, from surfing to gaming, as well as professional organizations like the American Marketing Association and the Pre-Law Society that help prepare you for your future career.
Getting involved can be simple if you know where to look. Every semester Student Life hosts an Involvement Expo to highlight some of our recognized student organizations. Follow @sllsdsu on Instagram to know when the next expo is coming up! The SDSU website also lists all student organizations with their contact information and meeting times. The Student Life & Leadership Office can help you find clubs that match your interests, and following your favorite clubs on social media keeps you in the loop!
Making friends as a transfer student might seem daunting, but there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Joining study groups is another way to meet classmates and bond over shared academic goals. Attending campus events, from basketball and football games, concerts, and cultural festivals, can also help you find your people. Spending time in common areas like the library, student union, the Commuter Resource Center, or taking a group fitness class like boxing or yoga is a natural way to meet others with similar interests.
Lastly, getting a job on campus, and the forced interaction that comes with it, provides so many opportunities to make friends. Shared experiences on the job with other students can build bonds that last a lifetime. Working on campus can also help with your commute since you won’t have to drive back and forth between school and work since it’s all in one place! Check out AS Jobs, Handshake, and the social media accounts of the various centers on campus and keep your eye out for job postings.
Being open and approachable goes a long way in forming connections.
Smile, make eye contact, and start conversations with new people. Finding common interests, whether it’s a shared class, hobby, or club, can help build friendships. Remember, it’s normal to feel nervous when stepping out of your comfort zone, but viewing that feeling as a symptom of growth can help you keep going!
Embrace new experiences, and you’ll find that building a community here can be a truly transformative part of your college journey. Welcome to SDSU!
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