The application process in order to be accepted into a university can be a hassle.

However, applying to a university as a transfer student can be an even bigger challenge.

“The hardest part about being a transfer student was trying to make friends and get involved,” Kylie Berry, a junior Advertising and Public Relations major, said. “ I got involved in the Mass Communications department from the first day, it helped me make great friends.”

Jessica Walters, a junior Graphic Design major, transferred from Collin College. She agreed that transitioning to a new school was tough.“My transition was ok, I was pretty sad at first because it was so new and I don’t make friends easily but I’m glad I’m here,” she said.

WT offers Transfer Services to assist students in making the transition less nerve-racking. They offer scholarships to transfer students as well as provide Transfer Student Orientations at the beginning of the semester.

“WT Transfer Services really helped me find myself,” said Berry, who transferred from the University of New Mexico in the fall of 2010. “I went to transfer student orientation. This was where I found out what I wanted to do with my life. It turns out I had always known what I wanted to do, but my advisor at ENMU put me in the wrong major.”

Luke S. Goudy a recent transfer student from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, also found Transfer Services to be useful.

“The Orientation helped me schedule my classes, got me my Buff Gold Card, and made me aware of all the services available to the students,” said Goudy. “My favorite part I’d have to say was the tour of the campus.”

Although Transfer Services assist students with transitioning to a new school, some spring semester transfers have faced unique challenges.

“Several things are difficult for having come in the spring,” said Goudy. “All the teachers seem to have the mentality that everyone has been here since the fall semester and knows what to do.”

Evan Brantley, a graduate Accounting student, transferred from the University of Arlington in spring 2010.

“I think that the timing more than anything made it difficult for me to make friends and find a place to plug in,” he said.  “Most people my age, by that time, had been here a year and half, so they were pretty well set with activities and their friends.”

Despite the initial challenges, Brantley and other transfer students have been able to thrive at WT. He currently has an internship for the spring semester at Stewart, Martin, Dudley & Webb P.C., an accounting firm located in Amarillo. Berry is the editor of the Eternal Flame, the University Photobook, and is the Vice President of the AD/PR Society. Walters is a Transfer Student Mentor. All three stressed the importance of getting involved.

“Find a place to plug in,” said Brantley.  “It’s easy to isolate yourself because you might transfer in at an odd time, but I can’t stress the importance of finding a place to be a part of something.”