Transfer Student Tips: Navigating Finances, Scholarships, and H…

As a transfer student, there are many things to consider when starting at a new school. From finances to housing, navigating a new campus can be overwhelming. But fear not, we’ve compiled some transfer tips to help make your transition as smooth as possible.

One of the first things you should do as a transfer student is to get a handle on your finances. This means understanding the cost of attendance and any financial aid or scholarships you may be eligible for. One tool that can help you with this is your target school’s financial aid calculator, which can help you calculate your costs and plan your budget.

When it comes to financial aid, it’s important to know that when you turn 24, FAFSA considers you “Independent,” which means that your application will be based on your finances alone. There is an option to input your parents’ information, but it’s not mandatory. Additionally, if you live on campus, you’ll likely get more financial aid to cover the expenses.

Another way to help pay for school is through scholarships. Check if the school has scholarships you can apply for before applying and when you become a student. Southwestern College has hundreds of thousands in scholarships every semester that you can apply for.

Some require essays, but you can go through the requirements and see what you need to qualify! Most parts of people’s identities (race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, medical field, only child, first/second-generation college student, etc.) probably have a scholarship. There are also many online resources to help you find scholarships, such as Scholarships.com and College Board.

Finding housing can be one of the most stressful parts of transferring. When looking for off-campus housing, it’s important to be careful and trust your gut. Make sure the person you’re potentially living with passes your vibe check because it could be DISASTROUS.

You’re going to need a credit score to apply on your own for most off-campus housing applications. Otherwise, you would need a guarantor whose credit will be run instead. Capital One has good rates for students if you don’t have a credit card already! Some resources to help you find housing include Facebook Groups, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Roomster, and Zumper.

Keep in mind that unless it’s bougie, do not pay more than $1,000/mo for a room. Additionally, assess the parking situation in the neighborhood and keep this in consideration when you’re touring places.

By utilizing these transfer tips, you can start your new journey on the right foot. Good luck, and enjoy your new school!