“Success” is going to look different for each of you, and you’ll travel different roads to find it. There will be a few transfer-specific resources that can help along the way, as well as many other resources available to every student. “Success”, for most of you, begins with grades. There are plenty of fantastic resources designed to help you with specific subject areas (even specific classes, with our Peer Tutors), but there are also other resources that can help you find success in other ways. You might find your success in research, travel, or service. Success, to some, is simply being able to look back on their college experience with a smile, which is something UNC hopes for all of you. Whatever success you seek, we hope you’ll lean into your resources and let them help you along the way. Luke, the academic coach dedicated to transfer students, tells each and every student at orientation this: “UNC is designed to make you resourceful.” The sooner you trust that and lean into your resources, the sooner you’ll begin to find your success. The most successful Tar Heels ask for help and use their resources. One thing we hear painfully often when working with transfer students is “I wish I’d asked for help earlier.” It is never too early, but “too late” comes fast.
We often mistake the vulnerability shown in asking for help as a weakness. Wisdom would say that asking for help is not only a sign of strength, in the confidence required, but that it provides a consistent opportunity for growth. You’re not here to prove yourself. You’ve done that. You’re here to grow!
Below you’ll find a list of scenarios that many transfer students find themselves in, as well as the resources to help you navigate them. We put this together after speaking with thousands of transfer students. They might just save you during your time in Chapel Hill, as they have many of your predecessors!
All the research will tell you that students who find community on their college campus have much better odds of success. The joy and sense of belonging we all feel when part of a community can go a long way in helping you succeed and enjoy your time in Chapel Hill. It is never too early or too late to try to find your community. Start looking early, because you may find your community in the least likely of places. If you’re struggling to find community, aim bigger and try new things. Sometimes, all it takes is one meeting to find one friend who helps you find others. There are numerous ways to build community here at UNC, and here are a few of them.
The Transfer Student Coordinator, Luke Fayard. Luke is an academic coach / counselor dedicated to transfer students, who always says that his favorite part of the job is meeting with his transfer friends, and he is happy to speak with you about anything you might need help with. You can ask him anything, but here is a list of things about which he often meets with students:
*Luke is not an advisor and does not work in Admissions, despite his misleading title. So, if you have questions about majors/minors/requirements, you’ll need to speak with Advising. If you have questions specific to the Admissions application, you’ll need to reach out to Undergraduate Admissions.
You can email him with questions at FayardL@email.unc.edu and you’ll see how to make an appointment with him in the “Contact Us” section to the right.
Many students struggle with Econ, at any institution. If you are struggling, you’re far from alone.
If you’re struggling to wrap your head around how much reading is being assigned, you’re not alone. We hear this every fall from new students, both transfer and first year alike.
The personalities that get you here don’t often feel comfortable with this. But, this is reality at UNC. It’s not always easy to know what to focus on. But, it’s vital that you try (and maybe our friends in the Learning Center help).
They may not be. In our experience, most students – after their first month or so on campus – would tell you theirs are not. Remember, you’re here to grow, and in many ways. This will most likely be one of them.
One more time… The Learning Center! We have some overly intelligent, well-trained (Specific to learning differences), and caring individuals who love what they do and want you to let them do it for you. They also have student meet ups, where you can learn about others’ experiences.
You’re far from alone. Many students need help their mental health, at one point or another. If that’s you, talk to someone. CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services): Click here to visit the CAPS website.
You’re not alone here, either, and we’ve got folks to help.
Your advisor can help here, but the gist…
We get this question a lot every fall.
The Office of the Dean of Students helps to communicate with your professors here: Click here to visit the ODOS website. (Contact email at the bottom)
Finally, here’s a list of resources Advising has compiled for all students, just in case it comes in handy: Advising Website Resources
We appreciate you visiting our transfer resources page and hope that you learned something here that may help you enjoy your time in Chapel Hill a little more! Keep in mind that there are passionate folks all over campus who want to see you succeed and who are excited to get a chance to help you do so. Good luck and go Heels!
The Center for Student Success
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Student Academic Services Building (SASB) North / Suite 2203
Campus Box #3106
450 Ridge Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3106
© 2024 The Center for Student Success
