From Japanese meals in her family kitchen to visits to the local Asian market, political theory and constitutional democracy junior Hana Thorson’s Novi upbringing was filled with the warmth of her mom’s culture. She loves MSU, but she often misses the everyday traditions that shaped her. MSU feels like home, but she’s still homesick.
The sentiment is shared by many transfer students navigating the transition from one school to another. Some may have come from close to home, spending every day with family, while others came from another school who were already far away. How can transfer students find their place on campus?
MSU’s Transfer Student Success Center (TSSC) offers resources for students who recently transferred through community dinners and community building services, Ashley Hewlett, program coordinator for TSSC, said.
"It’s an opportunity to learn things, break bread, have a meal, and get to know each other," she said. "We want to create space and community amongst our transfer students… most of our transfer students live off campus, so opportunities for connection are crucial."
Social science education senior Ryan Saeed, who transferred from Oakland University, said getting his bearings around campus made him feel more at home.
"Forcing myself out of my shell and going to every club I could find is like trial and error, but eventually you find one or two where you click," he said.
Saeed found his place at the MSU Philosophy Club, where he didn’t click at first, being a quiet observer. But when the president at the time graduated and asked for help keeping the club running, Saeed and four others raised their hands.
"We turned the club into this really fun, open space,” Saeed said. “It’s so easy to meet people through there."
TSSC hosts a weekly podcast called "Spartan Transfer Hub," hosted by journalism major and TSSC student coordinator Siddhi Choubey. She and TSSC launched the podcast over the summer to help students connect with various campus partners and get their questions answered directly by transfer students.
"Sometimes transfer students don’t realize what’s available to them, which is why programs like our podcast are so important," Choubey said.
"Social media is a big resource; our Instagram and Linktree help students know they have somewhere to turn to," Choubey said.
Saeed said coming to MSU was "almost like a fresh start." He feels like he’s changed as a person because he had the opportunity to explore with no strings attached.
Thorson, who transferred to MSU from Washtenaw Community College this year, said she chose MSU because of the uniqueness of its programs.
"I was really into philosophy. I wanted to do more of the why of politics instead of the current relationships and history," she said.
For Thorson, her recommendation is to take classes that interest you rather than staying within your field of study.
"There are so many more opportunities out there than you think," she said. "Do it for learning instead of just career sake."
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