by Aidan Eller

For most college students, whichever school you start at is where you stay; however, that is not always the case. A study by the Student Clearing House says that 13.2% of all college students in the U.S. transfer schools each year. Each transfer finds a new school for a different reason. They might need a better situation as far as their degree or to just live in a new city. Others are chasing an athletic dream that they believe they can achieve at their next school. Nonetheless, people transfer schools every year, chasing opportunities.

So, what is that like? How does it feel to have to adjust to a brand-new school or way of living? When asked how being in Greensboro has helped with the transition, men’s basketball senior transfer Jeremiah Dickerson said, “Greensboro has more structure than my previous school, it is also nice to be close to the city and have so many options for food, having these things has been very helpful.” For some, this transition is simple and seamless. For others, finding out where you fit into a new school community can sometimes be challenging and lonely.

As a transfer student myself, I know that this switch can be hard as I have done it twice now. However, Greensboro College has been very accommodating in this process. One of the biggest issues with switching schools is the transfer of credits, but at GC the process was seamless. Finding new friends and making connections with your teachers is something that can also be challenging, whether it is your first or third time. When it comes to athletics, transferring may seem more of a normalized idea. A new report by Her College NetWorth shows that 57% of college athletes will transfer at least once in their four years of NCAA eligibility. Although this seems normal, it is still a process that can be difficult to go through while trying to balance school, sports, making friends and finding community. When asked about community here at GC, men’s baseball transfer Will Hovey said “I feel more connected here than before. Team lifts for example, even though they are mandatory it does not feel that way. I enjoy just being with my teammates.”

Greensboro College has made students feel at home with its focus on inclusion and supporting one another. Community was evident this weekend as the GC football team had their season opener and had a packed house. The event attracted a thousand fans from the college and community. This tight-knit bond is just one of the reasons transferring into a culture like this makes the transition much easier. While transferring can be difficult, becoming part of the Pride is a switch that is worthwhile and a fruitful decision for those looking for a new home.