4 Ways to Make Friends as a Transfer Student

Being a transfer student at a new school can be overwhelming. Walking into an “unknown” is hard. The idea of finding community, again, may feel impossible. At the University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW), we are committed to cultivating a Christ-like community. We have invested in creating opportunities for transfer students to thrive and build life-long friendships.

Here are 4 ways to make friends as a transfer student:

1. Get Involved

Consider joining a club on campus. Meeting people outside of class can be a challenge. Campus clubs make it easier for transfer students to connect with others who have similar interests. And what better way to form new friendships that bond over an activity or subject you both enjoy.

2. Attend Campus Events

UNW offers a wide variety ofvcampus events for students to attend and meet people of varying majors, backgrounds, and hobbies. Attend an event that fits your interests whether that is an event in athletics, theatre, or the music department, community is formed in each one of theses areas. In addition, intramurals are a great way to meet new people on a team while playing your favorite sport.  

Residence halls and commuter life forge community through weekly bible studies and other fun events planned by Resident Assistants and other leadership members. A perfect way to get connected with those who have the same living situation as you do.

Mercy transferred to UNW as a junior and was nervous about making friends as a commuter. She says, “I went to the orientation and a Commuter Assistant introduced me to the commuter lounge. I was able to get connected with many other commuters. I prayed I would make good friends as a transfer student, and God was faithful! Commuter life has helped me build friendships with people who don’t live on campus, just like me.”

3. Work on Campus

UNW has employment opportunities across campus for students to gain experience in their preferred field. Not only does this allow students to receive further preparation for the workforce but it offers another way to be involved in the community at UNW. Further, this is another way for transfer students to meet others outside of the classroom and residence halls/commuter life that they may not normally see otherwise.

4. Spend Time on Campus

Spending time on campus outside of classes is crucial as a transfer student. It can be easy to miss opportunities around campus if you’re not intentional about where you spend your time. Studying in the library with classmates or eating lunch at the Billy with people in your hall creates ways to build community.

Shelby transferred to UNW as a junior and understands the difficulty of getting connected on campus. She says “I made a huge effort to spend time with people outside of class whether that was doing homework or chatting at the café.” This process involved stepping out of her comfort zone but through that she made great friendships.

Looking to connect with other transfer students, potential roommates, and students in your major? Check out ZeeMee and meet other UNW students before you come to campus!

Are you interested in transferring to UNW? Check out this video to learn more about campus life!