Ah, all hail the mighty transfer student! You are not just any student, you are a confident, mature, and awesome transfer student who not only wants to get their degree from UBC, but is here to make friends, grow, and network along the way. I understand ya, friend. Everyone was new to university at some point, but being a transfer student means that you get to do make a fresh start again, with all the knowledge that you didn’t have at your previous school. This time you will go to the orientation, you will study weekly, and you will finally know where the best seat in lecture halls are (third row from the back, BTW). Here are some of the best tips for the starting month, from one transfer student to another.

1. Don’t worry about being the oldest student in the class. A lot of people (mostly me) have this irrational fear. It’s almost like somehow, the professor will bring up how everyone thought Y2K would be the end of the world, and the rest of the 17 year-olds will turn to you, because you’re the only one who lived through it. That will not happen, so just get it out of your head. The advantage is on your side, anyway. You know how to stay on top of your work, and . Best way to find people your own age is to join a club. There will no doubt be members from across the years.

2. Don’t be afraid to make the first move when trying to make friends. A simple “Hey, where do you guys usually go for coffee around here?” is my go-to for breaking the ice. It isn’t as hard as it seems.

3. You already do have some new best friends: your counselors. You have an ESP, a faculty advisor, and an academic advisor for that reason alone. Send an email to them, even if it’s just to say hello. Not only will it make a good ice-breaker for when you meet in person, but it also is a great way to let them know you are a transfer student ready to establish yourself on campus. Seeing an advisor will only take ten minutes, and is the best way to address any concerns quickly. They are paid to help you, so make sure to use up your supportive resources

4. The most important thing to do is just be yourself. Wow, who asked their mom for advice, am I right?! But the reason why this advice is over-used so much because it really is true. Once you get settled in, you will find your groove, get comfortable, and soon, you will be the captain on campus! It’s always important to remember that life is what you make it, so you have to go into school with a positive, open, and healthy attitude, because that’s what you’ll get in return. And remember there is no shame in asking for help along the way!