5 Unique Things About CofC's Transfer Experience

Transferring schools isn’t just an academic choice, but a life-changing experience. It takes immense courage to start over at a new school. Whether students transfer to the College of Charleston to be closer to home, continue their degree or enjoy a coastal campus, the decision takes guts. At the College, transfer students aren’t just accepted; they’re appreciated.   

National Transfer Student Week takes place Oct. 20-24 and highlights how integral transfer students are to the CofC campus. Each student that sets foot on the bricks helps create a more vibrant culture and community.  

Transferring isn’t an easy decision, but CofC prides itself on making the experience seamless as possible. We understand your education isn’t starting from scratch but continuing with determination, and we are here to cheer you on. 

With opinions from students and staff, here are five things that make the CofC transfer experience unique: 

1. You’re not alone 

Application processes can be hectic. Figuring out how credits transfer and which courses you should take next makes it even more hectic for transfer students.  

At the College, transfer students are never alone. From the beginning of the process, transfer admissions counselors, like Deana Marshall, are here to ensure the process goes smoothly.  

“I can truly say we have a team that genuinely cares about the students we work with and are here to help guide them every step of the way,” says Marshall.  

The Office of Admissions also works closely with other offices, including the Financial Aid and Registrar’s Office, to ensure every detail is properly handled, and the process is stress-free. All three offices welcome inquiries via phone or email.  

2. Charleston welcomes transfer students with open arms 

Gianna Maddalena, a senior transfer student, said it best, “Everyone is so eager to talk to you, and with the class sizes being much smaller, it felt like my professors actually cared.” With class sizes typically ranging from 20 to 25 students, you can create personal connections with your professors and classmates. 

Maddalena appreciates how welcoming other students are, too.  

“I spent a year at my old school thinking something was literally wrong with me. I was seeing all the girls on my floor become friends, and I never felt like I clicked with anyone there,” she says.” Then I came to CofC, and I met my now best friend in the first week of classes.”  

Cougars may not be social animals in the wild, but CofC Cougars certainly are! 

3. Transfer students look out for each other 

One new club on campus is the Transfer Student Leadership Advisory Council. The group consists of transfer students who exemplify leadership qualities and work to elevate the experience of incoming transfer students. This council’s goal is to give transfer students an opportunity to talk to other transfer students about resources and experiences.  

However, transfer students don’t necessarily need to be leaders to find a community with other transfer students. The Transfer Student Club is another on-campus activity that focuses on connecting transfer students.  

“Our goal is simple: to create spaces and host events that help transfer students feel seen, supported and connected on campus,” says MK Wilshire, the founder of the Transfer Student Club. 

4. Transfer orientation is a breeze 

Orientation can seem unnecessary for transfer students. At CofC, the uniqueness of a transfer student’s journey is recognized in orientation.  

“It felt like we were treated like we had college experience and not like we were freshmen,” says Maddalena who transferred to the College in 2023. “It was like a one-day process, and you had some autonomy over what you wanted to hear about and what you didn’t need to hear about so much.” 

The half-day orientation is specifically designed with transfer students in mind, introducing them to resources without disregarding their previous college experience. There’s no need to dread orientation. Instead, look forward to meeting students who already have common ground with you as fellow transfer students! 

5. CofC celebrates transfer students 

At CofC, a cougar is a cougar. We all bleed gold and crimson on campus. But it’s also important to recognize how transfer students contribute to our community. That’s why the Transfer Student Club is hosting an event to celebrate transfer students on Thursday, Oct. 23 on Rivers Green. Games, including corn hole, spike ball and giant Jenga, will be available from 3-5 p.m.  

Resources for transfer students are only growing, as is the strength of the transfer student community. The College of Charleston is ready to support you on all fronts, because as Wilshire says, “The transition can be tough, but you are strong, capable and you belong here.”