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Life is constantly changing. You learn new things about yourself daily, especially as a university student. You may have recently realized that your current school isn’t the right fit for various reasons. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re thinking about transferring universities or colleges.
1. Talk With Your Academic Adviser
Before making any transferring decisions, make an appointment with your university’s admissions office. They’ll know which of your current credits will transfer to which schools and what classes you must retake.
An admissions representative will also know specifics about your desired university. Many schools require students to complete one semester or four full courses before transferring, but others may require one full year of full-time classes. An adviser can highlight the best transfer options with your current credits and desired graduation timeline.
2. Raise Your Grade Average
Whether you want to enroll in honours-level programs or not, your future university will require you to have specific grades. You may need an average of 2.0 before transferring. Your academic adviser will point this out during your appointment based on the universities that interest you most.
You can try a few options if you need to raise your grades before applying to transfer universities. Talk with your professors and meet during their office hours to better understand what they look for in exams and essays. You can also sign up for on-campus tutoring or change your study routine to improve your understanding of course material.
3. Remember To Research Living Spaces
Universities always have some form of on-campus living arrangement for students. Look into the options available at your future school to compare the fees with off-campus housing.
The average accommodation fees range from $3,000-$7,500 per year, but that might be out of your budget. Paying monthly rent for off-campus housing could be more feasible. It depends on your university’s city and your spending plan.
You’ll also have to consider your transportation options. You can easily live off campus and commute to your classes if you have a car. People without vehicles might walk, bike or ride the city transportation system to get to class. Consider the additional fees for buying a bike or transit pass when factoring in the costs of transferring colleges.
Your living arrangements should also accommodate however much space you need. Students with furniture may need a larger apartment than those transferring from a furnished dorm. Investing in necessities will be another factor in where you move and when.
4. Prepare Your Moving Essentials
Some college students can throw everything in the back of their parents’ minivan, but you may need a more comprehensive solution. Kitchen essentials, bathroom supplies and furniture will need a trailer with enough space to keep them safe and transport them efficiently.
A landscaping trailer is an excellent option for students moving with furniture. It’s an open bed that fits items of all heights and has railings to tie everything down with rope or twine easily. These trailers typically move machinery and equipment because they’re a trustworthy transportation option. Ensure you have the correct hitch size for your model and you’ll be ready to transfer colleges.
5. Consider What Won’t Transfer
You’ve paid to take your current classes, but that doesn’t mean another university will accept them. You may need to start your first year again if most or all of your credits won’t apply toward your next degree. Some students must also choose a different minor if their new school doesn’t offer their current one.
Your academic adviser can check if your current credits will count toward your degree path at another university. Even if they do, it’s crucial to consider that you could lose future internship opportunities.
Some universities reserve internship positions for upper-level students in specific degree programs. If your new school doesn’t have the same community connections for rising students, that could impact if you get hired after graduation. Working with a mentor in your future field could provide new learning opportunities that advance where you can start in your career. You’ll gain valuable real-world knowledge that will make you a more valuable team member to your future employer.
Prepare to Transfer Colleges
Your education should fit your future career plans and educational goals. These tips can help if you’re thinking about transferring colleges in the next year. Work with your academic adviser, research degree programs and consider your living arrangement necessities to find the best university for your college experience.
About The Author
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded, where he writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Check out @TModded for regular updates!
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