If you are considering transferring to UNH, you may be wondering how to find friends and build community as a transfer student. Being a UNH transfer student means being part of our larger campus community, while also accessing resources designed specifically to help transfer students acclimate to campus life.
We asked two UNH transfer students, Ella Norenberg '24 and Brendan Moody '25, about their experiences fitting in, growing as students and finding community on our campus. See for yourself why transferring to UNH was the right choice for them.
UNH students walking in Murkland Courtyard
What are your major(s)/ minor(s)?
Ella:
I'm a psychology and EcoGastronomy dual major, with a nutrition minor.
Brendan:
I am double majoring in geography and political science.
Students working on art in front of Thompson Hall
Why did you decide to transfer to UNH?
Ella:
I started my college career at a small liberal arts college that couldn’t offer me everything that I was looking for. I was looking for a space where I could be my true self and explore all my passions.
I learned about UNH’s EcoGastronomy program, sustainability mission and study abroad opportunities and realized it would be a great place for me. UNH also helps transfers immensely. Other schools I looked at couldn’t offer me any guidance on navigating a new university. However, I felt comfortable transferring here because I knew I would be supported on this new journey.
Brendan:
Originally, when I was looking at colleges for my freshman year, I didn’t even look at UNH. I was originally looking for a smaller school experience. When I came across UNH and actually looked into what this school offered, I saw so many possibilities for my future as a student and an adult. College is a huge investment into your own future, so making sure that you feel you’re getting the most for your money, time and energy is very important and I felt that UNH had the tools and people to be the right place for me.
UNH students hanging out in residence hall room
How have you found community at UNH as a transfer student?
Ella:
I moved into transfer housing and found that was a great way to meet people going through the same changes as me. It was a great way to establish connections. Similarly, the COLA transfer seminar allowed me to become familiar with UNH and ask the questions that may have been difficult to find out on my own.
I got a job on campus through Campus Rec Outdoor Adventures, which allowed me to meet a bunch of super cool people and go on adventures with them. I also signed up to volunteer at the Freedom Café which gave me a space once a week to be an active member in the community and meet all sorts of community members who walk through the café door. Finding different organizations on campus that I could devote small amounts of time to allowed me to explore my diversifying interests and meet people who share similar passions.
Brendan:
One thing I decided to do was to live in one of the transfer communities that UNH has on campus, which helped me meet people who were in a similar position to myself and bond with them. Some of them were transfer students from the year prior who then introduced me to my residence hall’s hall council. That allowed me to become close with my hall director at the time, Quinn Curtis, who inspired me to become a Resident Assistant (RA)! I also decided to get an on-campus job, which also helped me meet a whole bunch of other peers and faculty that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.
MUBFest, an event for welcoming new Wildcats to campus
Are there any specific people/ groups/ opportunities at UNH that have had the biggest impact on your experience so far?
Ella:
I had the opportunity to study abroad with the UNH-in-Italy program. I think that it is a common misconception that transfer students can’t study abroad, or that it is difficult to make it work as a transfer. However, that is not always the case. I knew I wanted to study abroad and started planning how it would work with my advisors and abroad coordinators early on, and it was the best experience I have had during my college experience. I went on a program with only UNH students, and it was such an incredible way to meet people and find community on campus. I returned to campus with newfound confidence and amazing friends who I am excited to spend my senior year with.
Brendan:
There are a few groups and opportunities that have really helped me in my time here. My time as a MUB employee really helped me to meet many of my closest friends and staff members who I look up to. Becoming an RA has also let me meet some awesome people, and I am truly grateful to have gotten so many great opportunities.
Students in downtown Durham, UNH's college town
What excites you most about the rest of your time at UNH?
Ella:
I am excited to continue to explore UNH. Although I have spent some time here now, I feel like there is so much more I have yet to discover. I want to walk through College Woods, check out the dairy center, go sledding with friends, try out the restaurants in downtown Durham, etc. There is so much to explore and I am excited to learn even more about how this place can continue to allow me to grow.
Brendan:
I have so much to look forward to over the next two-ish years. I joined the Student Activity Fee Committee (SAFC) and Memorial Union Board of Governors (MUBOG) this semester, which I’ve loved so much. I have plenty of classes to look forward to, as well. I’m also starting to look into starting undergraduate research opportunities and internships, which are huge steps towards my professional career!
Students at UDay, a celebration of UNH's 200+ student organizations
What advice would you give to an incoming UNH transfer student?
Ella:
Take advantage of all the opportunities. Bond with your fellow transfers and reach out to people from your classes. Don’t be afraid to try new things. They may not all stick, however, they could be great ways to meet new people and learn more about yourself. Ask questions!
Brendan:
One piece of advice I’ve given to some of my friends who have thought about transferring is to take your time. The transfer process is long and often very stressful, but in the end, there’s probably a pretty good reason for wanting to transfer. For me, I still was unsure if I wanted to transfer until I stepped foot on campus at UNH. You just have to trust the process and go with the flow; it will all fall into place with time. It’s a unique experience and you’re in a very unique place as a transfer student, so enjoy your experiences!
- Learn how to transfer to UNH.
- Read our tips for transfer students.
- Read our blog about how to know when you're ready to transfer to UNH.
related posts:
Tips for Transfer Students
Did you know that transfer students make up 20% of the UNH undergraduate population? If you’re considering or planning on transferring to UNH, you’re not alone. read more tips for transfer students
