Pictured above: Brandi Arnold (left) and Brenna Whitton (right) ensure that COMPASS is a helpful and safe space for transfer students.
Courtesy of Sophia George | The Crow’s Nest
By Sophia George
The start of a new semester is a stressful time for everyone, but especially for newcomers like transfer students.
Whether transfers were at their previous institutions for one year, or four years, chances are they are leaving behind people, routines and a campus they know and trust.
Getting settled in is not easy and it does not happen overnight, especially for students living on campus.
The good news is that there are plenty of people and resources around campus that are there to help with the transition process every step of the way.
One of the main resources available to transfer students is COMPASS Student Experience, a program that’s mission is to support students as they transition to USF St. Petersburg.
Transfer program coordinator for COMPASS, Brenna Whitton, let The Crow’s Nest in on some tips and advice for transfer students.
Whitton was a transfer student herself and now uses her own experiences and knowledge to help prospective transfer students have the smoothest transition as possible.
Whitton said it’s important to “put yourself out there and get yourself outside your comfort zone.”
It’s easier said than done, but this can enable more opportunities and lead to connections with likeminded people on campus.
Whitton suggests finding a social circle, people to count on and turn to for support. It’s surprising how many people might be experiencing the same thing, and this can make a big difference throughout this transitional period.
Whitton also explained how important it is to set time for oneself, since it’s easy to get caught up in homework, lectures and socializing.
Time for oneself may consist of reading, exercising, listening to music or watching a favorite show. Find what brings the most joy and peace.
It’s also beneficial to stay in the loop about events going on around campus and get involved as much as possible.
“Get involved and find your way around campus so you feel a part of it, that’s going to help with any imposter syndrome you may feel,” Whitton said.
Change is a scary thing, no matter the circumstance.
It’s common to enter a new situation or environment expecting it to go a certain way, but it ends up completely different, and that’s okay. Find the resources, strategies and routines that work best, and USF will feel like home in no time.
To learn more about COMPASS Student Experience and their peer coaches, visit stpetersburg.usf.edu/student-life/compass/index.aspx
