General

Advice from former transfer students:

• As soon as you start your studies here, try to adapt yourself. It may take a long time, but do it ASAP.

 

• Be aggressive. Be self-motivated. People at U-M are normally very helpful, but the student always, ALWAYS, has to make the first move.

• The campus is huge.

• Don’t be intimidated. It’s a change, but as long as you watch for what things to do differently, the basic ideas are the same.

• At my community college, they expected you to have a life outside of school. At U-M, they require that you don’t.

• Do not over-exert yourself until you have really settled into the lifestyle here, no matter how confident you feel at first.

• When you have some problems, you have to ask for some help.

• The University only offers resources and class times for students who do not have to work. As a student with a full course load and a part time job, it is often impossible for me to get help outside of class and to meet with my advisors to discuss my progress.

• The first couple of weeks of class were extremely confusing. It seemed like everyone expected me to already know everything about campus. . . It was a very jarring experience.

• If it’s cold, take the Link (buses). It is a great resource and it seems to always come by (except on weekends).

• Take it one day at a time. Sometimes you’ll be so thankful that you’re here and all of the wonderful benefits to take advantage of, and sometimes you’ll wish you were anywhere else. So far, it’s been worth it.

• Be prepared for a big change. The homework is overwhelming and tedious, but in the end you can say you have a degree from a prestigious school.

• Be outgoing and friendly and you’ll have a great time.

• Don’t let the big campus and experienced folks scare you. You can become like those people you admire if you keep a positive spirit and fight every obstacle with the same spirit. Never give up. Because Michigan offered you admission, they know what you are worth. Believe in yourself and you will soar like an eagle.

• If you feel overwhelmed the first couple of months, stick with it – it gets easier.

• Pick two places that you can study near a parking lot and make going to office hours part of your daily schedule.