Transferring to a new university means more than adjusting to different classes or finding your way around campus. It also means building connections and discovering where you belong.
For Samauj Samuel, a transfer student at The Ohio State University intending to major in human resources, that experience has come with its share of challenges and rewarding moments.
"My experience as a transfer student here at Ohio State is one that has been extremely fulfilling," Samuel said. "I have had moments of excitement, exhaustion, and complete confusion. But it has been so fun being able to meet and connect with students and faculty as I create my community here at OSU!"
Samuel's experience reflects the different paths students take when transferring to Ohio State — journeys the university recognized during National Transfer Student Week, Oct. 19-23.
Throughout the week, the Office of Undergraduate Education's Transition and Academic Success Strategies (TASS) team hosted pop-up events that engaged more than 200 students. The events offered opportunities to celebrate transfer students while hearing firsthand about their experiences, challenges and connections on campus.
"Transfer students remind me that every journey is different, and I am honored to help them turn transitions into opportunities," said Anessa Becton-Howard, assistant director of Transition and Academic Success Strategies.
Finding community through new experiences
For many transfer students, finding a sense of belonging comes through the opportunities and relationships they develop after arriving at Ohio State.
Barbara Steward-Goins, a social work major who transferred from Columbus State, said her experience has helped her connect her education with her professional goals.
"Transferring from Columbus State to Ohio State allowed me to build a powerful bridge between my real-world experience working with school-aged youth and my academic passion for school social work," she said.
Steward-Goins also credited the College of Social Work community with providing a supportive environment as she continued her education.
Holden Shea, a history and Russian major who also transferred from Columbus State, found new opportunities through his transition, including a study abroad experience in Estonia.
"Through Ohio State I've been rewarded to a study abroad experience in Estonia next semester." Shea said. "I'm very thankful for the experience and support I've been given as a student at Ohio State."
Support that extends beyond the first semester
While National Transfer Student Week provides an opportunity to recognize students, the university's efforts to support their success continue throughout the year.
Through TASS, Columbus campus transfer students have access to Success Coaching, which offers personalized, one-on-one guidance to help students navigate their academic and personal transitions.
Coaches work with students on developing effective study habits, managing time and connecting with campus resources. The team also monitors student accounts to identify potential barriers, including registration holds and financial concerns, and reaches out to students who may benefit from additional support.
Monthly newsletters provide updates on important deadlines and campus opportunities, while workshops and events help students build skills and connect with others.
That support begins before students start classes. Incoming Columbus campus transfer students complete Transfer Student Orientation and are invited to participate in Preview Day, which also welcomes students transitioning from Ohio State's regional campuses and first-year commuter students.
This fall, more than 350 students and supporters participated in the inaugural event, which brought together transfer, campus change and commuter students.
Read more about how Preview Day helped students build connections and confidence.
For Natasha Jiménez Marchany, program manager for campus change and transfer students, working with transfer students is also an opportunity to learn from the experiences they bring to Ohio State.
"I love working with transfer students because of the diverse range of experiences they embody and bring to campus," she said. "Transfer students push me to learn new ways of engaging with OSU's resources and creating journeys to success."
As students continue their journeys at Ohio State, the Office of Undergraduate Education's Transition and Academic Success Strategies remains a resource for navigating challenges and making the most of their university experience.
Columbus campus transfer students interested in Success Coaching or additional support can contact TransferStudentHelp@osu.edu.