NEW BEARINGS A GUIDE FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME
1
WHATʼS A STUDENT MENTOR?
2
MEET THE STUDENT MENTOR TEAM
3
THE TRANSFER EXPERIENCE
4
TRANSITIONING TO WASHU
5
ACADEMIC DIVISIONS
6
STARTING SCHOOL
7
ACADEMIC TIPS
8
CAMPUS LIFE TIPS
9
HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
10 11 12 13
Authored by Student Transitions & Family Programs Edited by Rachel Iverson, Abby Schilly Photography by Sydney Hlavaty ʼ24, WashU Photographic Services, Bonner Williams ʼ16, and Jordan Gamble ʼ14
newstudents.wustl.edu
WELCOME FROM STUDENT TRANSITIONS & FAMILY PROGRAMS Welcome to Washington University in St. Louis! We are excited you chose to become part of our community. Transfer students bring a wealth of diverse knowledge and experiences to WashU, and our community will be greatly enriched by your presence on campus. We hope you will find a home at WashU. Student Transitions & Family Programs is here to support you in all aspects of your transition to WashU. We want to ensure you have all the resources you need to thrive here. This spring, you will attend Winter Welcome, a program that
Kate Yeo, Class of 2025
has been specifically tailored to the needs of
transfer experience. This publication will also serve as your introduction to your student mentors, who will contact you later this summer and introduce themselves.
transfer students. Transfer & Exchange Student Mentors (TXSMs) will guide you through this experience and will continue to serve as peer mentors throughout your first semester at WashU. During Winter Welcome, you will also have the
stay connected by attending programs hosted by
Visit newstudents.wustl.edu for more information about how to make the most of your time here, next steps, academic requirements, housing, campus resources, important dates, and what to expect during Winter Welcome.
student mentors throughout the semester.
We canʼt wait to see you in January!
opportunity to connect with students and peers going through the same experience as you. The transfer community is strong and we hope you
As a transfer student, your needs are different than those of other new students. This publication was written by transfer students to provide you with information and insights they gathered during their first year at WashU. It includes some advice from students who have been in your position, as well as faculty perspectives on the
Kate Yeo, Class of 2025 Transfer & Exchange Chair Student Transitions & Family Programs Student Executive Board College of Arts & Sciences
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WHAT’S A STUDENT MENTOR? Transfer & Exchange Student Mentors (TXSMs) are student leaders who have gone through a similar transition as you and can act as academic and social resources. They have either transferred to WashU from another institution or studied outside the United States. These students are available throughout Winter Welcome, as well as the rest of the semester, answer questions and assist with the academic and social transition. 2 | New Bearings
MEET THE STUDENT MENTOR TEAM Just as each residential college has a mascot, so does the transfer community: the Transferasaurus Rex. Many students take pride in their residential college mascot, and the transfer community is no different. We are an extremely tight-knit and friendly community, and we all belong to the same Transferasaurus family. Being united under this mascot means even though all transfer students will branch out and find their own places in the WashU community, we all share a unique common experience and an underlying bond. We take a great deal of pride in our community and our mascot, especially during Winter Welcome.
2023–2024 TXSM TEAM
Sania Ali
Izzy Borah
Rohan Chintalapudi
Caroline Chou
Grace Malley
Eva Yakushev
College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2026
College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2023
College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2025
College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2026
College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2024
College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2025
Your student mentor will contact you in January to answer your questions and help with your transition! Washington University in St. Louis | 3
THE TRANSFER EXPERIENCE Welcome! All of us at Student Transitions & Family Programs are thrilled to welcome you to WashU. We hope to make the transition to your new home as seamless as possible. We recognize that being a transfer student presents unique challenges and may seem difficult in the beginning. However, in our experience, these initial hurdles can be overcome by exercising patience, getting involved on campus, and creating connections. You have the unique opportunity for a fresh start and will have many experiences available to you. You will find everyone at WashU helpful, so never be afraid to ask questions. Student mentors, teaching assistants, professors, and others are here to provide support. It is your job to seek them out and ask for their guidance. Throughout Winter Welcome, make an effort to attend all of the transfer student events. Winter Welcome is also a great opportunity to bond with other new transfer students. As you integrate into the WashU community, I would highly recommend keeping in touch with your transfer friends. Even now, some of my closest friends are the ones I made during orientation. Finally, know that everything is going to work out. As TXSMs, we will be your point of support and guidance throughout your first semester at WashU and are sources of information regarding classes, academic deadlines, campus activities, and more. You have the power to create and shape your identity and legacy at WashU. I highly recommend putting yourself out there, keeping an open mind and engaging with the WashU and St. Louis communities. By doing so, Iʼve made friends from various academic divisions and backgrounds and we have enjoyed sharing our interests and hobbies with one another. My decision to transfer to WashU was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and the benefits continue to pay off with each passing day. Enjoy your break and please donʼt hesitate to reach out to us at transitions@wustl.edu. We look forward to meeting you this spring! —Rohan Chintalapudi, Transfer & Exchange Student Mentor, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2024
You have chosen WashU for your next academic home and we are eager to support you as you learn this new place. Wherever you pursue your degree, some things remain the same—finding courses you love, balancing class work and free time, and making the right connections. At WashU, your four-year advisor is a starting place for sorting things out. Take advantage of their knowledge of the academic as well as campus
—Melanie Osborn, culture. As a four-year advisor, our job is to help you chart your next semesters and connect you with resources you want and need. There are Senior Assistant Dean, other people ready to help too. Learn the student perspective right away McKelvey School of Engineering with your Student Mentor. They have been where you are and have volunteered to be your guide. Make a commitment to take advantage of a fabulous resource, your faculty. Engage during class and use office hours. Faculty at WashU really do want you to do your best. Have a wonderful winter and we will see you on campus. 4 | New Bearings
TRANSITIONING TO WASHU COMING FROM A LARGE, PUBLIC INSTITUTION Transferring to WashU from a very large public institution, I was quite scared I wasnʼt going to experience the same social culture from my previous school. I was pleasantly surprised I was able to make so many friends and find people with similar interests! In fact, transferring to a smaller institution helped my social life so much—I was able to create bonds that will last me a lifetime and ones that just wouldnʼt be the same if I had stayed at my previous university. Additionally, I found classes at WashU were quite a bit more demanding than in my previous school, and they required me to come well-prepared and ready to participate every day. I have found this extra work is well worth it. These smaller settings give students a chance to engage in discussions and debates with each other and the professors.
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ACADEMIC DIVISIONS COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
McKELVEY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
314-935-6800
314-935-6100
artsci.wustl.edu
engineering.wustl.edu
OLIN BUSINESS SCHOOL
SAM FOX SCHOOL OF DESIGN & VISUAL ARTS
314-935-6315 olin.wustl.edu
314-935-6200 samfoxschool.wustl.edu
COMING FROM A SMALL, LIBERAL ARTS INSTITUTION After transferring from a small liberal arts college, I was in awe at the number of happenings and opportunities at WashU. There are plenty of events, interesting classes, and great places to visit on and off campus. At WashU, thereʼs a strong sense of community. One thing Iʼve really noticed is that even in the largest lecture, there are always ways to create connections with classmates, Teaching Assistants (TAs), and faculty. WashU is a research university, which means faculty members are usually involved in research in addition to teaching. As a result, you may have the opportunity to get involved with research, even as an undergrad! Most professors do an excellent job of making themselves available outside of class. TAs and help sessions supplement many courses as well. Iʼve found that WashU is the perfect size. Iʼve had so many opportunities to participate in and pursue different interests, met so many new people, and still manage to see friendly faces I recognize every day. Itʼs been an extremely positive experience for me.
COMING FROM A NON-U.S. INSTITUTION I have really enjoyed the experience Iʼve had at WashU. Transferring here is the best decision Iʼve ever made. Iʼve met many talented students here and have been lucky enough to make friends with them. It is very important to get involved at WashU when you first come here without knowing anyone. I definitely recommend taking an active part in Winter Welcome because thatʼs the first and biggest opportunity to meet other transfer students and spend some time getting to know them better. I met two of my best friends during orientation! For international students, especially those who come from non-English speaking countries, there will be many challenges around language, culture, and academic performance. Truthfully, I had a tough time getting through the first semester, but everything became so much better in the second semester. So donʼt feel frustrated if you havenʼt gotten used to things here right away. It takes time, but hopefully, youʼll love this transfer experience! 6 | New Bearings
STARTING SCHOOL While you may have already completed orientation at your previous institution, youʼll still need to attend an orientation program here at WashU. Winter Welcome will help you learn to navigate campus and meet other students at the university. TXSMs will be there ready to help with anything and everything to make you feel welcome. With plenty of activities and fun ways to spend time with other transfer students, orientation is the first opportunity to connect with the transfer community and the beginning of many meaningful friendships.
COURSE REGISTRATION You will be contacted by your academic adviser over the winter to register for the courses youʼll be taking in the spring. No matter which academic division you are entering, be sure to retain syllabi and course information from your previous institution. This information will be important for the evaluation of transfer credit awarded at WashU. If you have any academic questions, donʼt hesitate to contact your school, department, or academic adviser.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION International transfer students will hear directly from the Office for International Students & Scholars (OISS) over the winter with specific details regarding arriving to the United States and St. Louis. For all transfer students, please visit newstudents.wustl.edu to learn when your first mandatory orientation event will occur.
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ACADEMIC TIPS You can develop the skills for academic success here at WashU. To help you out, weʼve included a few tips that current students want to pass on to you.
THE LEARNING CENTER
The hub of academic support at WashU, The Learning Center offers peer mentoring for key courses like calculus and chemistry.
THE SYSTEM TAKES ADJUSTMENT
The courses are not really harder, but for many, the system takes adjustment. There is consistent homework to do and turn in—in addition to many quizzes, projects, and exams. There are strict guidelines on academic integrity at WashU. Make sure you consult the syllabus and check with the professor about their policy on group work before working on assignments with others.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HELP Your adviser and professors will be your greatest sources of support academically. Reach out to them when you are struggling in a class or need guidance on how to study certain material.
WAITLISTS ARE WORTH THE WAIT A lot of students over-register, “shop” for classes in the first week, and end up dropping a course or two. If you are on a waitlist, show up to class the first day and talk to the professor about joining the course. That being said, be sure to have some back up courses youʼd be happy staying in, just in case.
8 | New Bearings
TAKE A SMALL CLASS
If possible, take a small class during your first semester. Whether youʼre transferring to WashU from a large state university or a small liberal arts college, taking a small class is a nice way to meet other students, get to know a professor well, and become really engaged in an interesting topic.
DISABILITY RESOURCES
Connect with Disability Resources if you are seeking academic support or accommodations related to disabilities.
CAMPUS LIFE TIPS We want you to have a great experience while youʼre here in St. Louis. Here are a few tips to ensure that youʼre engaged inside and outside of the classroom.
COME PREPARED
GET INVOLVED
If you plan to live in privately managed apartments, it might help to map routes to local amenities and campus before arriving in St. Louis. If your apartment is unfurnished, you can order furniture online and have it delivered on the day of your arrival.
Getting involved is, by far, the best and fastest way to meet amazing people—and form lasting friendships. With literally hundreds of options to choose from, there is an activity or group for everyone. The spring activities fair is a good place to start!
SIGN UP FOR A U-PASS
The U-Pass allows you to use St. Louisʼs public transit system and is free for WashU students. Be sure to sign up!
EXPLORE CAMPUS Begin exploring the campus as soon as possible to find your ideal study, hangout, and dining locations.
Tip: You can find shopping and dining guides at newstudents.wustl.edu!
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HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS Where you will live while studying at WashU is an important decision. Residential Life (ResLife) offers housing options for transfer students. To view more information about housing, visit the Residential Life website.
APPLYING FOR RESIDENTIAL LIFE HOUSING Transfer students can submit their Room and Board Application via the WashU Pathway. Once in your account, locate the Housing tab, select Applications, then click on the drop down menu and click on the First-Year/Transfer Student Application. It will be necessary to complete all sections of the application. The final step is to Submit the Application. This will result in changing your application status to complete. If you have questions about Residential Life housing or the application, please contact their office by email at reslife@wustl.edu or by phone at (314) 935–5050.
NON-RESIDENTIAL LIFE HOUSING Some students choose not to live in Residential Life housing. Below are the most common non-ResLife housing options:
Sublease a Leased Apartment Apartments can be subleased through Quadrangle, a company owned by Washington University, or an independent property owner. You can find available apartments through the WashU Apartment Referral Service. TIP: Some apartments may be completely or partially furnished. Be sure to inquire about furnishing if needed.
10 | New Bearings
Lease an Apartment through Quadrangle This option is mainly for graduate students, but undergraduate students may find apartments through the Quadrangle website. TIP: When searching for apartments, be sure to check if the price includes the cost of utilities or not.
Alternative Options Some students have found accommodations owned by other property companies such as Parallel Properties or local property owners. TIP: Be sure to ask detailed questions about the conditions, financial obligation, and terms of rental. Selecting housing not run by Residential Life means that WashU can offer no assistance with any issues you may encounter.
GETTING AROUND CIRC The Campus Circulator (or “Circ”makes a continuous loop around main campus and
is free for all students to ride. Using the WashU smartphone app, students can track the Circ location and schedule in real time.
DELMAR LOOP SHUTTLE The Delmar Loop Shuttle (or “Loop Shuttle”makes a continuous loop connecting main campus to The Delmar Loop and is free for all students to ride. Using the WashU smartphone app, students can track the Loop Shuttle location and schedule in real time.
ENTERPRISE CARSHARE The Enterprise CarShare program allows students to rent a car by the hour. These cars are available at various locations across the WashU campuses and can be reserved online through the CarShare website. Students must apply for membership in the CarShare program. More information on CarShare for WashU can be found at parking.wustl.edu.
METRO/U-PASS WashU students can register to get a free U-Pass through transportation services, which will allow you to use the St. Louis bus and metro systems. Passes are available each semester and for the summer.
TAXI Transportation by taxi is another option for travel around St. Louis, particularly for
travel to and from Lambert Airport. Two local cab companies are County Cab, 314-991-5300, and Laclede Cab, 314-652-3456.
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WHAT TO EXPECT OVER THE WINTER Student Transitions & Family Programs communicates with transfer students often throughout their first year at WashU. This communication begins in January, before you arrive on campus. Below, we have detailed what you can expect to receive and accomplish before you arrive.
COMMUNICATION FROM STUDENT TRANSITIONS & FAMILY PROGRAMS In addition to New Bearings, you can expect to receive e-newsletters from Student Transitions & Family Programs in January. This newsletter, Bear Bulletin: Transfer Student Edition, has been specifically designed for transfer students and will provide important information about registering for spring courses, preparing for Winter Welcome, and more. We send out Family Ties, the e-newsletter that bridges the information gap between WashU
family members and life on campus, to all family members listed as a contact for their
student. To ensure your family members receive updated information from the university, please confirm that the contact information listed for them on WebSTAC is correct. Your family can read past editions of Family Ties at families.wustl.edu.
REGISTER FOR CLASSES You should hear from the transfer adviser for your academic division in early January. You can also find contact information for each academic division on page six of this publication and at newstudents.wustl.edu.
CONNECT WITH THE TRANSFER COMMUNITY We invite you to join the 2023–2024 WashU transfer student community on Teams. This is a great place to meet the student mentors, connect with peers in your transfer class, and stay up to date on important information leading up to Winter Welcome. We encourage you to use this space to ask questions and begin building your WashU community. To join the Teams chat community, please find the link in the January edition of the Bear Bulletin (sent to your WashU email) or email us at transitions@wustl.edu. You will also hear from your TXSM before you arrive. While all transfer student mentors will introduce themselves and answer questions in the Teams chat community this winter, your student mentor will contact you personally later this winter to welcome you to the WashU transfer community.
12 | New Bearings
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE CHECKLIST IMPORTANT ITEMS YOU NEED TO COMPLETE BEFORE ARRIVING AT WASHU. ESTABLISH ACCESS 1. Activate your WUSTL Key. 2. Enroll in Duo two-factor authentication. 3. Activate your WashU email account. 4. Review and edit your WebSTAC user profile. 5. Apply for your WashU ID Card.
HEALTH & WELLBEING 1. Complete your Habif Health and Wellness Center requirements including health history, vaccination/immunization documentation, and health insurance waiver if needed. 2. Transfer your prescriptions to the Habif Health and Wellness Center. 3. Contact Habif if you will require a referral for ongoing medical specialist care. 4. Contact the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services if you will require a referral for mental health care while attending WashU.
PREPARE FOR ARRIVAL 1. In the WashU Pathway, apply for housing. 2. Complete the Winter Welcome Registration Form in the WashU Pathway. 3. Sign the Transfer Experience waiver to participate in off-campus activities during Winter Welcome and the spring semester. 4. Connect with Disability Resources if you require accommodations due to an identified disability or have questions about specific disability-related concern 5. Complete the Academic Integrity module. 6. Complete your Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates course, which will be emailed to you. 7. Sign up for a U-Pass, a free transit card for St. Louis public transportation. 8. Pack for Move-In Day!
Visit newstudents.wustl.edu for additional details and instructions.
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STUDENT TRANSITIONS & FAMILY PROGRAMS MSC 1136-332-LL One Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130-4899 newstudents.wustl.edu 314-935-5040 toll free: 844-935-5040