5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Transferring
By ANNIKA R.
Transferring sounded like the perfect reset. A new environment, new people, and new opportunities.
But what I didn’t realize is that transferring isn’t an instant transformation. It’s a process; one that is exciting, uncomfortable, and at times, a lot harder than expected.
Still, even with all of that, I can confidently say that I am very grateful that I made the decision, because now I get to call USC Annenberg home.
If you’re thinking about transferring (or already have), here are five things I wish I knew before I did.
1. It Doesn’t Feel Like a Fresh Start Right Away
You expect everything to click the moment you arrive, but it doesn’t. Instead, it feels unfamiliar. You’re learning a new campus, new systems, and new social dynamics all at once. That “fresh start” feeling comes later, after you’ve had time to settle in. At first, it’s less of a glow-up and more of an adjustment period. And that doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice, it just means you’re still finding your footing.
2. Feeling “Out of Place” Is Part of the Process
There’s a phase where you feel like you don’t fully belong anywhere. You’re no longer at your old school, but you’re not fully rooted in your new one yet. It can feel isolating, like everyone else already has their place except you. But that in-between feeling isn’t permanent. Over time, through small interactions and shared experiences, that unfamiliarity starts to fade. You begin to recognize people, find your spaces, and slowly build a sense of community.
3. You Can’t Keep Comparing Your New Life to Your Old One
This one is one of the hardest, but also the most important. It’s easy to compare your new school, friendships, and routines to what you had before. But constantly looking back makes it impossible to fully step into what’s in front of you.
Your new experience isn’t meant to replace your old one; it’s meant to be different. Once you stop comparing, you give yourself the space to actually appreciate where you are and what this new chapter has to offer.
4. You Have to Be Way More Intentional Socially
Making friends as a transfer student isn’t passive; it’s active. Unlike your first year, where everyone is new and open, most people now already have their circles. One of the best things you can do to combat this is immerse yourself in as much as possible:
Join organizations
Attend events
Say yes to opportunities, even when they feel intimidating
The more you involve yourself, the smaller the campus starts to feel, and the more connected you become. For me, being at USC Annenberg meant stepping into a culture that genuinely welcomes you with open arms. But to truly feel that, you have to meet it halfway. You have to show up, engage, and allow yourself to be part of it. That’s when everything starts to change.
5. Opportunities Won’t Find You, You Have to Go Find Them
At a new school, no one is handing you a roadmap.
You have to seek things out:
Talk to professors
Reach out to programs
Apply for opportunities, even if you’re unsure
It can feel uncomfortable at first, but that initiative is what creates momentum. Once you start putting yourself out there, you realize just how many doors are actually open for you.
Final Thoughts
Transferring wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, discomfort, and uncertainty; times when I questioned if I had made the right decision. But looking back now, I’m incredibly thankful I took that leap.
So if you’re transferring, or thinking about it, know this:
It won’t be perfect right away. It might not be easy. But if you’re willing to involve yourself, stay open, and keep showing up, it can become something really meaningful. Just like it did for me.
