Pictured above: Junior graphic design major and transfer student Nilah Neely studies for classes.
Aubrey Carr | The Crow’s Nest
By Aubrey Carr
College is an extreme change for anyone. With new people, surroundings and trying to find a balance between school and social life, university life can be tough.
Though most already consider the turbulence surrounding FTIC (first-time-in-college) students, the mental struggle of transfer students is often forgotten.
According to the USF InfoCenter, fall 2021 add/drop data showed 469 new transfers, a slight dip from 2018’s 545 students.
Currently, transfers make up nearly 60% of the undergraduate population.
Though the university is no stranger to transfers, many students still have trouble getting involved with on-campus activities.
Nicole Leary, a junior psychology student and transfer peer coach, is familiar with the introversion of her students.
“Transfer students aren’t as intent on getting involved. It’s just not as important to them” Leary said. “Transfers really just want to focus on their academic side.”
While Leary emphasized that the lack of involvement was due to student disinterest in extracurriculars rather than an absence of outreach, the official “USFSP Transfer Students” Facebook group is flooded by students searching for on-campus connections.
“Would love to try new things and get more involved on campus!” Emilie Castro posted.
While USF St. Petersburg has attempted to increase engagement through monthly transfer specific newsletters and workshops, many students still find it tough to engage.
“I wish there was more to do for transfer students,” said junior graphic design major Nilah Neely. “I feel like transfer students get the underhand when it comes to events.”
Even with the additional resources, out of the 172 fall events listed on BullsConnect, only three directly mention transfer students: the Goals to Graduation workshop, The Graduation Celebration and National Transfer Student Week.
Neely said she is frustrated by the lack of opportunities to connect with other students and that “It’s very hard to get involved as a transfer student and sometimes [make] friends because of my ranking.”
The lack of resources set Neely back on her transition to USF, but she said she has begun to find her way through the help of other transfer students and her peer coach.
Neely said she believes the school should do more to increase transfer involvement.
“It feels unfair. I feel like there should be a change,” Neely said.
