Transfer students struggle with transition to UNC

When sophomore Christina Luke, who transferred to UNC this year from the University of South Florida, got out of her taxi on move-in day, she was fifteen hours away from her Tampa home and anyone she knew.

The first person who helped her move in was another transfer student.

Not wanting to leave her suitcase, Luke waited alone outside McIver Hall for five minutes. Finally, another transfer, who she only knows as “Theo,” walked by and helped her with her bags.

Luke is one of 836 undergraduate transfers enrolled at UNC this fall, a group that makes up 4.55 percent of the student body — the highest proportion since 2009.

According to a 2011 study by the UNC Retention Task Force, fewer than half of transfer students admitted for their junior year and those from community colleges graduate within four years.

Sophomore transfers from four-year institutions graduate at rates on par with traditionally admitted students, around 75 percent.

Annice Fisher, a transfer student retention coordinator in the Office of Undergraduate Education, said transfers often struggle to adjust to rigorous academic expectations at UNC and do not take advantage of academic support services.

“Their previous institutions may or may not have had those resources,” Fisher said. “Thus, transfers might not know we offer aid or support in that area.”

Luke said the biggest change for her has been her workload.

“It seems that at North Carolina, you learn a lot and you learn really fast,” she said.

Katharine Watters, a junior who transferred from the University of Pittsburgh, also said her coursework has been more intense at UNC. She also said there are increased social challenges of enrolling as a junior.

“When you come in as a transfer student, a lot of people your age already have their set groups,” she said.

Watters said she recommends going to the transfer orientation, where it’s easier to meet other upperclassmen.

There are several groups that hold events to help transfers meet and find academic support, including the Transfer United Living Learning Community, Tau Sigma National Honor Society and T-LINK peer mentoring program.

Students can also join the student-run group Tar Heel Transfers, which plans events for students and trips to places like Carowinds and Jordan Lake.

Shannon Smith, a senior who transferred from Fayetteville Technical Community College last year, was a member of Tar Heel Transfers last year and is now the president of the group, as well as a T-LINK peer mentor.

She thinks the trips were valuable to her transition, and she felt she owes it to new transfer students to make sure they also benefit from the program.

“All of the events were fun, but it was more than just having fun — it was about the connection we were able to make with one another in sharing the experiences,” Smith said.

Luke says transfers can make the transition easier on themselves by adjusting their mentality and being willing to ask for help in class.

“Go to office hours early if you need help,” she said. “Don’t wait until week four or week five when your midterm is in two or three days.”

Smith said she thinks all the support options make UNC a great place for transfers.

“I can’t think of a better community to transfer to, that is more willing to help you succeed,” she said. “Transferring to UNC means that you have an opportunity to be a part of a community of intelligent, successful and engaging students who are working hard to be something great, and give back.”

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