Congratulations on your acceptance to UCSB! Don’t worry, transferring will be easy because you already live in Isla Vista and know how things are.
I heard this exact statement countless times from friends and adults alike once receiving my acceptance from UCSB. Living in Isla Vista while attending Santa Barbara City College may have eased some of the stress of transferring, but it certainly did not eliminate it. Transferring from one institution to another is a difficult adjustment, regardless of how close you live to campus.
There is nothing that a Youtube video or article can do to completely prepare you for your transition to UCSB—and trust me—I tried that. But hopefully, this article can offer some guidance to help you know what to expect.
The Quarter System is a B**** But it’s Not Impossible
It’s easy to fall behind in a fast-paced environment like UCSB. Unlike Santa Barbara City College, which runs on the semester system, UCSB runs on the quarter system. This means assignments come at you fast and there are few opportunities to take time to relax—that three-hour Avatar movie just might have to wait. I used to procrastinate on assignments and hover over difficult concepts during community college because I knew I had the whole semester to do everything. I was still in the semester mindset during the first few weeks of my first quarter at UCSB and it really hit me when I realized my midterms were already a week away just as I was settling into my routine. Pacing yourself is key to maintaining good grades and a low-stress level. Don’t cram all of your assignments into your to-do list for one day, but also don’t wait till the week before midterms to start preparing. Having a planner will help you know what assignments are coming up as well. I personally like using google calendar for school because it allows me to see all my assignments weeks ahead so I know when to study.
Just Talk to Random People
The best thing about college is that it’s not high school. You aren’t surrounded by people who have long-standing notions of what type of person you are. College is full of like-minded individuals who are more open to conversation and friendship than ever. During my first quarter, I was reluctant to start up conversations with people in my lectures or sections for fear of judgment or rejection. However, once I started engaging with other students, I found myself being invited to study groups and social events. I also noticed after talking to a lot of students in my classes, that a large portion of them are transfer students. Other transfer students also want to meet new people and make friends, so don’t be scared!
The Imposter Syndrome is REAL
During my first quarter, I struggled to adjust to the new material I was being presented with. Community college work is no doubt demanding, but UCSB is extremely rigorous. I felt embarrassed that I wasn’t performing as well as my peers who had been at UCSB since they were freshmen. I began to doubt my abilities and question how I even got into the school. These feelings of inadequacy can significantly affect your academic success. It’s important to note you got into this school for a reason. You are equipped with intelligence, skills, and drive. Don’t compare yourself to students who already know the ins and outs of this enormous university. The only person you want to be competing with is yourself. Every time I doubt myself when it comes to school, I remember that I am at this school like everyone and that I am here to learn above everything else.
Just because I finished one quarter at UCSB doesn’t mean I have everything figured out. I definitely have mental breakdowns at Starbucks every now and then. However, after implementing better study habits, talking to more people, and gaining confidence, I feel prepared to take on this quarter. If you’re a current or incoming transfer student at UCSB, try these tips out and I guaranteed you will succeed.