For all you transfer students at Brandeis for the first time, let me be (probably not but) the first to welcome you to Brandeis. I myself am a transfer student, and this will be my third semester here. Looking back at how I transitioned from my old school to Brandeis, let me offer you some advice:
1. Try not to compare your old school to Brandeis
No matter where you were last semester, Brandeis will be different. It’s inevitable that you will compare the two. Don’t do this. It could make you question your decision, and it is just not worth it. Though you are not a freshman, look at Brandeis as a whole new experience and a fresh slate. By saying such and such was a lot better at your old school, you’re not helping make the transition any easier. So be positive and look at Brandeis as a new experience entirely.
2. Get involved
I’m sure you have heard this many times already, but get involved on campus. A lot of students at Brandeis participate in clubs, sports, etc., so it’s a great way to meet people outside of classes and your residence hall. Brandeis offers tons of things and there’s something for everyone. You don’t have to do a million things, just find something where you like the people or the subject matter, and it could be a really good experience. This Monday there will be an activities fair on the Great Lawn where you can sign up for clubs so I suggest attending.
3. Don’t Limit Yourself
It’s great if you want to join a team, an a cappella group or rush, where you have some sort of try out, but it is not a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket. I know that may sound negative, but if it doesn’t work out, hopefully you won’t be saying to yourself: “well what am I supposed to do now?” Also, don’t limit yourself to who you interact with and choose for friends. In addition to the academics, Brandeis has lots of different people. So take advantage of that and reach out to people even if you think they will question it and think you’re weird (it’s fine, you’re a transfer, you don’t know anything).
4. Don’t get discouraged
It is inevitable within the first few weeks after transferring, you might have mixed feelings about transferring, did you make the right decision, etc., but everyone feels that way tons of times throughout their college careers at every school. So don’t let one bad day, night, or week, make you question your decision. You have to give it time and get used to it and that is totally normal. So don’t get discouraged by these feelings.