“If you’ve been there, no explanation is necessary. If you haven’t, none is adequate.” –Lou Holtz
There are truly no words to describe the sheer excitement and exhilaration that rushed through my veins after discovering that I had been admitted as a transfer student to the University of Notre Dame for the Fall 2013 semester. To be a part of a university where I would not only obtain a highly touted degree, but build strong character and develop my faith was an absolute dream come true. Along with excitement came other emotions, especially feelings of anxiety. By transferring, I knew that I would be starting my college experience all over again. I would have to meet new people, try new things, and branch out in order to successfully integrate myself into the Notre Dame community.
If you are an incoming transfer like I was, I can bet you have similar sentiments. But do not fret, rest assured that your worries and fears will all be temporary. As a part of Transfer Nation (T-Nation for short), I am here with some useful advice to help you survive your first couple weeks at Notre Dame. From there, life is a piece of SDH (South Dining Hall) cake.
Transfer-O
This is a must, and well, is actually kind of required. Transfer-O is a five day long orientation that will help you get acquainted with anything and everything Notre Dame. This is also an amazing opportunity to meet fellow transfers and Transfer-O leaders, which I highly recommend you do. You all have your own unique reasons for wanting to transfer from your former universities, but you are all similar in the fact that you choose Notre Dame. My first friend at Notre Dame was actually a Transfer-O leader, and without her by my side throughout orientation, I would’ve been completely lost. Take advantage of this opportunity, and have fun along the way.
Remember that T-Nation is alive and well, looking to help you at every step of the way. You need look no further than any Transfer-O staff member to answer any of your questions regarding life at Notre Dame. Utilize them to their fullest, as they have been in the exact same position that you are currently in. They understand your concerns and will help you in any way that they possibly can.
My Transfer-O group
Go to all the Transfer-O events
Seriously though, these events are what make Transfer-O such a great and enjoyable experience. Go to Transfer-O mass, go on the scavenger hunt, and most definitely take part in lighting your Transfer-O candle at the grotto. Though a lot of listed events may seem stupid at first, they are memories that you will cherish forever. And best of all, there is no awkward “we’re gonna throw boys and girls in a circle and make you dance” type social gathering. Once you hear from students about their freshman year experiences with Domerfest, you’ll be glad you had Transfer-O.
Expand Outside T-Nation
Don’t get me wrong, I love all my fellow transfers just as much as the next person, but make sure to dig deep and explore the rest of the Notre Dame community. There are so many clubs and activities you can become involved in which will cultivate your interests and help you establish even more friends that aren’t transfer students. My closest friends aren’t even transfers, they’re girls I met from my dorm! Also, get to know people in your classes, as they make good study buddies and often have the same interests as yourself.
Lastly, and most importantly, Be Yourself and Be Confident!
I really can’t emphasis this enough. Remember that you deserve to be at Notre Dame, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You all work so incredibly hard and Notre Dame wouldn’t have accepted you if they didn’t feel like you would succeed. Students and faculty are incredibly friendly, and will welcome you with open arms. Most even go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable. So be open to them, and I have no doubt that they’ll be even more open to you. Stay true to yourself throughout this transfer process and I can assure you that you will find your niche within the Notre Dame community in no time.
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