new
bearings A G U I D E F O R T R A N S F E R A N D E XC H A N G E S T U D E N T S
FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU
1
WELCO M E FR OM TH E F IR ST Y E AR CE N TE R Welcome to Washington University in St. Louis! We’re so happy you’re here. Transfer and exchange students bring a wealth of diverse experiences and perspectives to WashU, and whether you’re here for a semester or the rest of your undergraduate education, our community will be greatly enriched by your presence on campus. We hope you will find a home at WashU. The First Year Center is dedicated to supporting new students in their academic, social, and personal transition to Washington University. We know this isn’t your first time doing the college thing, but we want to make sure you have the resources you need to be successful here. When you arrive on campus in August, you’ll attend Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation with students who are coming from all over the country and the world to study at Washington University. Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs) will serve as peer mentors during Bear Beginnings and throughout the rest of the year. They are here to answer your questions, direct you towards resources, and facilitate community building through programs and events. Your WUSAs transferred to WashU or spent time studying abroad; they know what it’s like to join a student community as a transfer or exchange student, and we hope they can use their experience and knowledge to ease your transition to WashU. We encourage you to make the most of Bear Beginnings and stay connected to the transfer and exchange community by attending events hosted by your WUSAs during the year.
TA B L E OF C ONTENTS
I NT RO D U C T IO N 3 WH AT 'S A W U SA ? 4 M E E T T HE W USA T E A M 5 TH E T RA N SFER E X P E R I E NCE 6 TH E EX C HA N G E E X P E R I E NCE 7
As a transfer or exchange student, your needs are different than those of other new students. This publication was written by transfer and exchange students to provide you with information and insights they gathered during their first year at WashU or their time abroad. It includes some advice from students who have been in your position, as well as faculty perspectives on the transfer and exchange experience.
ACA D EMIC RESO U R CE S 8 TR AN SIT IO N IN G T O WA S H U 9 ACA D EMIC T IP S 1 1 CAMP U S L IFE T IP S 1 2 H OU SIN G OP T IO NS 1 3
At firstyearcenter.wustl.edu, you can access a publication titled Bear Facts, which contains resources for all new students at WashU, including campus maps, information about residential life and academic requirements, and student perspectives on living and studying at Washington University in St. Louis. Check it out for more information on all things WashU!
LIFE OFF C AMP U S 1 4 WE EK EN D T RIP S 1 5
Edited by Andrea Farnan, Grace Haselhorst '19, and Anna Zhou '20 Designed by Maggie Jia ’18 Photography by WU Photographic Services, Bonner Williams ‘16, and Jordan Gamble ’14
We can’t wait to see you in August! Grace Haselhorst ‘19 Transfer & Exchange Chair First Year Center Executive Board FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU
2
FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU
3
WHAT'S A WUSA? Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs) are student leaders who have gone through a similar transition as you and can act as academic and social resources. Transfer WUSAs have all transferred to WashU from another institution and exchange WUSAs have studied abroad. These students are available throughout Bear Beginnings, as well as the rest of the year, to help you move in, answer your questions, and assist with just about anything you might need.
ABOUT THE TX TEAM In the same way each residential college has a mascot, the transfer/exchange (TX) community has one as well: the Transferasaurus Rex. Many students take pride in their residential college mascot and the TX 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 TXers 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 Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation events like Convocation.
4
NEW BEARINGS
MEET THE WUSA TEAM
Kate Baskin
Nina Goode
Exchange WUSA
Exchange WUSA
School of Engineering and
College of Arts & Sciences
Applied Science
Class of 2019
Class of 2019
Andie Herrig
Morgan Solender
Transfer WUSA
Transfer WUSA
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Arts & Sciences
Class of 2020
Class of 2020
Shuhan Zhang Transfer WUSA School of Engineering and Applied Science Class of 2021
FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU
5
T HE T R A N SF E R EX PERI ENCE
Morgan Solender College of Arts & Sciences | Class of 2020
Welcome! You will quickly learn that we at the First Year Center want to ensure your transition to WashU is a seamless and positive experience. We recognize that being a transfer student presents many unique challenges and, at first, can be difficult. In our experience, all of these challenges work themselves out with time and WashU truly turns into your new home away from home. Be patient, get involved, take risks, and put yourself out there. You have the unique ability to start off with a clean slate and will have many opportunities available to you. Everyone here at WashU is a resource for you and never be afraid to ask questions. Your WUSA, suitemate, professors, and classmates are all fantastic resources and it’s your job to take advantage of them. Throughout Bear Beginnings: New Student Orientation, make a strong effort to attend all of the transfer student events. In my experience, these were fantastic events that enabled me to bond with other new students who were in a similar position as me. As the semester carries on, keep in touch with your transfer friends. Even now, some of my closest friends are still the ones I meet during orientation. Finally, know that everything is going to work out. It won’t always be easy but if you put yourself out there, attend events, and get engaged in your new community, you will be on track to find your niche here at WashU. My decision to transfer to WashU was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I have learned so much about myself along the process. Enjoy your break, look forward to the fall, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us at firstyearcenter@wustl.edu.
Perspectives on Transfer Student Success
“
Warren J. Davis Assistant Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
mind you are engaging with a new campus culture. Depending on your previous college experience, you may encounter an academic culture that seems similar to the one you have known, or you may find it’s very different. Regardless, there are plenty of resources to assist and support you with your transition. Your WUSA has a wealth of information about Washington University and can aid you in getting to know your new academic home. The same is true for your academic advisor, with whom you may be working over the summer. excellent way of introducing yourself and of building a rapport with an instructor. After all, academics are the main reasons you’re here.”
NEW BEARINGS
Kate Baskin School of Engineering and Applied Science | Class of 2019
Last fall, I boarded a plane to leave the country I call home, headed to the other side of the world—New Zealand. Living in another culture without the comforts of home is not easy. However, my exchange experience abroad has become one of the most rewarding things I have done. The beginning was both exciting and stressful. I found myself struggling to adjust and complete simple tasks like going to the grocery store and setting up a phone plan. Cultural differences and norms made even simple things feel confusing. In other ways, it all felt like a vacation. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months the challenges continued but I felt myself becoming better adjusted and more equipped to handle any challenges. I struggled to fit in with certain aspects of the culture. I missed home, my friends, my family, and my old way of life. However, with more time and some effort, I found ways to fit in. I met people who helped me learn and appreciate where I was and the opportunities I had. I became incredibly close with the student community and by the end of my program felt fully immersed in the culture, rather than feeling like the outsider I did in the beginning. For me, having these people made the transition much easier. Having someone willing to help and take the time to invest in you makes all the difference. Your WUSA, staff, faculty, and current domestic students will hopefully provide the same for you. Exchange programs are one of the most challenging experiences that a student can pursue during college, but can also be the most rewarding. I know I am not the same person who left the United States a year ago. I have a wider and more encompassing perspective. I know I can live in a new country and function. Most rewarding though, is that I have incorporated a new culture into myself without losing what makes me who I am. I hope your exchange experience is as rewarding and challenging as mine. If you ever need someone to talk to, ask a question, or provide some insight, please reach out. There are countless people here who will be happy to assist you.
Perspectives on Exchange Student Success
As you begin the Washington University in St. Louis phase of your education, keep in
Finally, when the semester begins, get to know your instructors. Attending office hours is an
6
T HE EXCHANGE E X P E R IE N CE
“
Amy C. Suelzer, Ph.D.
Director, Overseas Programs
Come here ready to engage intellectually both in and outside of class. You can do this by choosing courses with discussion components and contributing to the debate, going to professors' office hours to discuss ideas generated by classes or reading, seeking out research opportunities in a lab or an archive, and attending the many talks sponsored by departments, student groups, and other organizations. Don't be intimidated by the new environment or your relatively short time at WashU. Past exchange students have done amazing things here at WashU that have shaped the remainder of their studies back home and you have the same opportunity!”
FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU
7
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
ACADEMIC DIVISIONS COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES 314-935-6800 college.artsci.wustl.edu
TR ANSITIONING TO WASH U
COMING FROM A LARGE, PUBLIC INSTITUTION
“
OLIN BUSINESS SCHOOL (314) 935-6315 olin.wustl.edu SAM FOX SCHOOL OF DESIGN AND VISUAL ARTS 314.935.6500 samfoxschool.wustl.edu SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE 314-935-6100 engineering.wustl.edu
8
NEW BEARINGS
When I first transferred to WashU, classes were suddenly much smaller, walks across campus much shorter, and the seas of people crowding the sidewalks during break times much more navigable. Additionally, I found classes at WashU were quite a bit more demanding than my previous school, and they required I come well-prepared and ready to participate every day. I have found this extra work is well worth it as I get so much more out of my classes. These smaller settings give you a chance to engage in discussions and debates with other students, and even the professors, that will challenge your understanding of the world. The smaller classroom setting also offers a great way to start meeting other students, especially those in your major or areas of interest. I realized very quickly after arriving on campus I would run into even these few classmates or the other people I had met quite often. Coming from a large university where I rarely encountered the same person twice in a week, it was a nice feeling to recognize other students just by walking around. This has even come to be one of my favorite aspects of WashU– the close-knit student body giving the campus a very friendly and comfortable feel.
COMING FROM A NON U.S. INSTITUTION
“
I have really enjoyed the experience I've had at WashU. Transferring here is the best decision I've ever made. I've 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 Bear Beginnings because that's the first and biggest opportunity for you to meet so many transfer students and spend some time to get to know them better. I met two of my best friends during that time! For international students, especially for 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 becomes so much better in the second semester, so don't feel frustrated when you are not getting used to things here right away. It takes time and hopefully you'll love this transfer experience!
FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU
9
COMING FROM A SMALL, LIBERAL ARTS INSTITUTION
“
The first thing you might notice is there are a lot more people around! At my old institution, I felt like I met a majority of the student body after just one year. At WashU, however, I am still meeting new people each and every week. You’ll notice the wealth of opportunities to do new things on campus. With five different academic divisions for undergraduates and opportunities to take classes in each one, your educational horizon becomes much wider. WashU is a research university which means faculty members are usually involved in research in addition to teaching. (This means you may have the opportunity to get involved with research, even as an undergrad!) Teaching assistants (TAs) play a greater role in your classes and professors may have fewer office hours than at your old school. However, most professors do an excellent job of making themselves available outside of class. TAs and help sessions supplement many courses as well. I’ve found WashU is the perfect size. I’ve had so many opportunities to participate in and pursue different interests of mine, met so many new people, and still manage to see friendly faces I recognize every day. It’s been an extremely positive experience for me.
AC ADEMIC TIP S You’ can develop the skills for academic success here at WashU. To help you out, we’ve included a few tips that current students wanted to pass on to you.
CORNERSTONE The hub of academic support at WashU, Cornerstone offers peer mentoring for key courses like Calculus and Chemistry. Cornerstone also serves students who are low-income, the first in their family to go to college, and/or have a documented disability.
THE SYSTEM TAKES ADJUSTMENT
STA R T I N G S C H O OL
While you may have already completed orientation at your previous institution, you’ll still need to attend an orientation program here at Washington University. Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation will help you learn to navigate campus and meet other students at the university. Your Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs) will be there ready to help with anything and everything to make you feel welcome. Other transfer and exchange students will also be there. With plenty of activities and fun ways to spend time together, orientation is the first opportunity to connect with the TX community and the beginning of many meaningful friendships.
Course Registration
The courses are not really harder but, for exchange students, the system takes adjustment. There is more (consistent) homework to do and turn in—in addition to more quizzes, projects and exams. There are much stricter guidelines on academic integrity than at some other institutions. Make sure you check with the professor before working on assignments with others to be sure of their policy on group work.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TA HELP Take advantage of help from the teaching assistants (TAs) and study groups. These will help you with homework and to gain a better understanding of the material you are learning.
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 you’d be happy staying in just in case.
ENGLISH HELP If you have difficulty writing in English, The Writing Center (located on the first floor of the Olin Main Library) may be able to help you. They offer one-on-one mentoring by appointment, as well as a wide variety of workshops open to all students. “Public Speaking” and “Talking with Americans” are small group classes that help your English skills. The English Language Program in the Office for International Students and Scholars also offers classes and academic English language support. English Corner is a weekly opportunity to engage in informal English practice with a small group of international students.
TAKE A SMALL CLASS If possible, take a small class your first semester. Whether you're 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. The WashU courses can be quite rigorous, but make sure you’re taking time to have fun, travel, and see the surrounding area!
Registration procedures vary depending on which academic division you are entering. You will be contacted by your academic advisor over the summer to register for courses you'll be taking in the fall. No matter which academic division you are entering, be sure to retain syllabi and/or course information from your previous institution. This information will be important for the evaluation of transfer credit awarded at Washington University. If you have any academic questions, don’t hesitate to contact your school, department, or academic advisor.
Move-In Day/Arrival Information Transfer and dual degree students should plan to arrive in St. Louis on Thursday, August 23rd. Arrival details for students living in Residential Life housing will be available on firstyear.wustl.edu. If you are living off-campus, your first mandatory orientation event is the Transfer & Exchange Student Welcome at 5:30PM on Thursday, August 23rd. All transfer students, living both on- and off-campus must attend this event. 10
NEW BEARINGS
FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU
11
HOUSING OPTION S
C AM P U S L I F E T I P S
We want you to have a great experience while you’re here in St. Louis. Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re engaged inside and outside of the classroom!
COME PREPARED If you plan to live in privately-managed apartments, it might help to take a look at the map in advance and look for routes to the supermarket etc. If your apartment is unfurnished, you can order furniture online and have it delivered on the day of your arrival. When you leave, you can sell it again.
GET INVOLVED It is by far the best and fastest way to meet people, and with literally hundreds of options to choose from, there is an activity or group for everyone. Getting involved is a great chance to meet some amazing people and form lasting friendships. The Fall Activities Fair is a good place to start!
On-campus and off-campus residences are available for transfer and exchange students. Washington University provides resources and services to assist students in finding housing.
Residential Life Housing Your living options may include upperclass housing on the South 40 and on the North Side (Village/ Lopata and University-owned on- and off-campus apartments). For more information, visit reslife.wustl. edu. You can also call Residential Life Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM CST at 314.935.5050 or toll free 1.800.243.1853 anytime you have questions.
Privately-Managed Housing (Quadrangle) You may also choose to live in off-campus housing that is not owned or managed by Residential Life. If you decide to live off-campus in non-Residential Life housing, check out the off-campus housing website, offcampushousing.wustl.edu. You will find information for both University-owned and non-university-owned housing. Many apartments are within a few minutes’ walk to the Danforth (main) campus. For more detailed information, contact the Apartment Referral Service (ARS) at 314.935.5092, email them at ars@wustl.edu, or contact Quadrangle Housing Co. at 314.935.9511 or quadrangleleasing@wustl.edu.
TR ANSPOR TAT ION OPTION S
KEEP IN TOUCH If you are an exchange student, keep in touch with your family and friends from your home country! You may get lonely sometimes, and they'll also miss you.
SIGN UP FOR A U-PASS U-Pass allows you to use St. Louis’ public transit system and is free for Wash U students. You will receive an email with registration information, and it is absolutely worth the three minutes it will take you to sign up.
EXPLORE CAMPUS Find areas like the Law School or Holmes Lounge Carvery for lunch, and try the East Asian Library or an empty classroom as a study space.
12
NEW BEARINGS
C I R C 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. E N T E R PR I SE C A R S H A RE The Enterprise CarShare program allows students to rent a car by the hour. These cars are available at various locations across the Washington University campuses and can be reserved online through the CarShare website. Students must apply for membership to the CarShare program. More information on CarShare for WashU can be found at at parking.wustl.edu. M E T R O /U -PA SS Washington University 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 per semester and the summer; registration information will be emailed before the start of the semester. TAX I 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.
FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU
13
LIFE OFF CAMPUS
WEEKEND TRIPS
Living in St. Louis, you have an opportunity to be a weekend drive away from fun adventures in different U.S. cities. We’ve listed a few below for you to check out.
Chicago Chicago is a four-to-five-hour drive from St. Louis and a straight shot via Amtrak trains or MegaBus, making it ideal for a weekend trip if you’re missing that big-city feel or want to take a break from WashU’s campus. Take a drive for deep-dish pizza, an improv performance at The Second City, and a show at Millennium Park.
Lake of the Ozarks Lake of the Ozarks features two state parks and opportunities to play golf, mountain bike, fish, scuba-dive, and more. It’s only about three hours from St. Louis. Rent a cabin for a weekend or drive up for a day trip if you're looking to get outdoors.
The Loop "My favorite place in STL is probably the Loop. It's close to campus which makes it super convenient since I don't have a car. There's plenty of food options and fun places to hangout KATE
like Pinup Bowl."
Memphis Much like our city, Memphis claims to be the home of BBQ and blues. Do a little compare and contrast when you have a free weekend! Just a four hour drive from St. Louis.
Nashville
NINA
City Museum
A four to five hour drive to the southeast will take you to Nashville. It’s called Music
"I love the City Museum because I'm such a sucker for interactive museums. It's an amazing and uniquely STL experience and gives you a real burst of nostalgia because climbing through all those tunnels makes you feel like a kid again!"
City for a reason—tons of local and national artists play in Nashville every week—but besides that the city offers great restaurants, lively streets, and a college town meets southern city atmosphere,
The Outing Club
ANDIE
Missouri Botanical Garden
The Outing Club of Washington University (outing.wustl.edu) leads day trips and weekend
"One of my favorite places in St. Louis is the Missouri Botanical Garden. It's well worth the short drive from campus. Walking though the garden with friends is a great way to destress and connect with nature."
trips to parks, mountains, rivers, and state and national scenic landmarks. Like them on Facebook and get on their mailing list to find out about new trips and sign up for equipment rentals.
John's Donuts
MORGAN
"My favorite place in St. Louis is John's Donuts! I love food, and especially dessert, and there is nothing like knowing that after a long night of studying you can get a delicious donut at 2 AM. "
The Loop
SHUHAN
14
NEW BEARINGS
"My favorite place in St. Louis is the Loop. There are so many restaurants providing almost all kinds of food you might want. Besides, I enjoy wandering in the shops on the Loop to appreciate the beauty of art and collect something interesting."
FIRST YEAR CENTER
15
First Year Center Campus Box 1136 One Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130-4899 firstyear.wustl.edu 314.935.5040
FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU
16