Dear Transfer Students…

I’ve been there too. 

BY Eliza Brown ★ November 13th, 2025

Photo credit: Lola Jeanne Carpio

Maybe you just transferred to Syracuse. Maybe you’re considering transferring. Or maybe you transferred a while ago and you’re just looking for something relatable. Whatever your situation may be, this article is for you. 

I transferred in the Fall of 2024, with nearly 1.2 million other students. Before transferring, I would have been surprised to know that the number was so high. I felt different; I thought transferring schools was uncommon. Now, it makes sense to me, and  many of my friends at Syracuse are also transfer students. 

My initial decision to transfer was difficult. I spent my Freshman year at Clemson University, and after Winter Break I knew it wasn’t the right place for me. It was difficult because I had made so many new friends that I didn’t want to leave, but when I wasn’t with them, I knew I was unhappy. Sobbing in the airport because I didn’t want to go back to school at all—not because I didn’t want to leave home but I just didn’t want to be in South Carolina—was definitely not normal. 

I finally worked up the courage to talk to my parents about transferring. I felt like I was giving up—I didn’t want them to be disappointed in me. In reality, this wasn’t the case at all; they wished that I had talked to them about it sooner, because my happiness is most important to them. So, if you’re considering transferring, here is my first piece of advice (from someone who was once in the same situation as you): 

Don’t struggle alone. 

Find someone to talk to. This could be a parent or other family member, your best friend, a professor or even a therapist. Whoever you choose, it is important to share how you are feeling and express these thoughts to someone, anyone. Trust me, it is much easier to go through the transfer process with support. 

hile the decision to transfer is difficult, actually transferring is exciting (but also so scary)! I remember when I first arrived at Syracuse, I was so excited to have a fresh start, to have the college experience I dreamed about. But, I was also nervous that I wouldn’t belong. In my case, I am lucky enough that my worries didn’t turn into reality. I love Syracuse, and can confidently say I made the right decision when I transferred. But, I know this isn’t the case for everyone. If Syracuse isn’t for you, that’s okay. It doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you, it just means you haven’t found your place. Yet. And how exciting is that? There is a whole world of opportunities waiting for you, and the best is coming. Since transferring, I have adopted a new perspective: 

Everything happens for a reason. 

Obviously, this can’t be applied to really horrible situations, I use the word “everything” very lightly. However, it is important to approach uncomfortable situations with a positive outlook, and acknowledge how it led you to now. My Freshman year was less than ideal, and sometimes I wish I would have just started my college experience at Syracuse. But, when I find myself in these thoughts of regret, I remind myself that all parts of my journey helped me find my home away from home. 

Freshman year at Clemson, I went through recruitment and joined a sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. Through that experience, I met my lovely sorority big, Ava, who I can’t imagine life without. If I hadn’t gone to Clemson, we wouldn’t have ever met. I also was able to transfer into GPhi at Syracuse—if I had gone through recruitment at Syracuse, would I have ended up in GPhi and met the friends I have now? Possibly, but maybe not. If I had attended Syracuse my Freshman year, I would be unlikely to meet all of my friends who also transferred to Syracuse (and where would I be without my best friends?). 

When I consider all of the things I love about my life at school, they are a product of my transfer journey. I might not have loved Syracuse as much as I do now if I attended directly out of High School, there is no way to know. If you’re a transfer student feeling similar regrets, here’s my advice: 

Lower your expectations.

No one can have the ‘perfect’ college experience. Everyone has moments where they are homesick, feel alone or feel like they don’t belong. It might seem like everyone has it together, but that just isn’t true. When you lower your expectations, you will find yourself happier. I came to Syracuse both excited and nervous, but also realistic. I tried to decrease thoughts of regret and comparison, and instead consider how my (somewhat) untraditional path has led me to where I am today. It’sfun to think about what your life would have been freshman year at your new school, but accept that it’s not your reality. Instead, appreciate the journey you are on and find peace in this. 

Ultimately, whether you have already transferred or are considering transferring, it's not an easy task. Remember how common transferring is, and everyone is dealing with their own personal battles. Control what you can, and come to terms with what you cannot. At the end of the day, you are absolutely not alone in this, there are so many transfer students (like myself) who would love to give advice and support.

Edited by: Sofia Westerman