Many transfer students feel that they are left out or even left behind when it comes to extracurricular activities at their new school. They feel like they are not welcome in organizations where students have been participating since their freshman year, and don’t feel that it is worth it to get involved. And as a transfer student myself, I understand this better than most. But while this might be a reality at some schools, it doesn’t have to be at SMU.
On a whim, I decided to apply to be on the staff of this newspaper the summer before I got here. I thought that they would turn me down immediately since they had no idea who I was, but I ended up getting the position of associate opinion editor, and the fact that I am a transfer student was never an issue when I applied for higher positions since then.
As the year went on, I realized that the stereotype about transfer students simply did not exist at SMU even outside of the Daily Campus. There is no barrier that prevents transfer students from getting involved here. I became a part of four different organizations in the first few months of being at SMU, and they all embraced the fact that I was a transfer student because I would be able to offer a different perspective.
To be sure, being a transfer student is not easy. I will be the first one to admit that. You know no one, you probably live off-campus, and you are probably still battling to get all of your classes to transfer over (I know I still am, and I’ve been here for a year). These hurdles can seem overwhelming at times, and sometimes you will regret transferring because these things seem insurmountable, but that feeling won’t last long. If you knock on enough doors and make enough phones ring, someone will always help you. You just have to be patient.
But one thing that will make all of these obstacles seem like rain puddles is becoming a part of the campus at SMU. Getting involved will make you realize that you are now part of the SMU community and the only thing standing in your way are a few pesky little issues that you have to fill out a lot of paperwork for. Big deal.
I have the following tips for you once you stroll onto campus as an SMU student for the first time:
1. Go to the Student Activities and Multicultural Student Affairs office (commonly referred to as SAMSA). There you will find a list of all major organizations at the school and they can help you figure out how to join all of them. There are more than 200 student organizations at SMU, so there are plenty to choose from. Still not finding anything you want? Create your own! The forms are in the SAMSA office.
2. Need a job? Get one on campus. There are hundreds of opportunities for employment at SMU. It’s a great way to get involved and get paid at the same time. The top three ranking editors at the Daily Campus are transfer students, so you can move up fast.
3. Don’t give up on those left over credit hours. Go to your advisor and get petitions to make classes transfer that didn’t transfer originally. You shouldn’t have to waste your hard work at your other institution.
4. Say yes. Don’t turn down an opportunity to get involved. If once you are involved in an organization you decide it’s not for you, that’s fine. The hardest part about getting involved is actually doing it, so if you might even be mildly interested in an opportunity, take it.
Let me make one thing clear: you are not a transfer student any more. You are an SMU student. Do not let SMU or anyone here classify you as a “transfer student,” it will hold you back and make you feel like less of a Mustang. Once you begin your first class here, your history at other schools doesn’t matter. You are an SMU student just like that freshman sitting across from you in your Spanish class.
You are probably overwhelmed right now, and that’s totally understandable. I was too. But remember that there are hundreds of transfer students going through the same thing you are. And hey, if you need a transfer student to point you in the right direction or to listen to you vent, stop by my office on the third floor of Hughes Trigg in the Student Media Company suite, I’m sure I can help you out.
