1. Read Your Syllabi (No seriously, read it!)
Although syllabi are likely not new to you as a transfer student, the information included in your syllabi at MSU may be very different from what you have engaged with at your prior institutions. Your syllabi can help you know what to expect for the semester, and plan questions to ask your faculty members and teaching assistants.
Practical steps:
- Read them thoroughly in the first week, noting key deadlines, exam dates, and major projects.
- Create a master calendar (digital or paper) that merges all your courses’ timelines. This helps you spot high-pressure weeks early and plan accordingly. Need help with time management? See #3 below. Also, did you know that your email account (that you don’t like checking) has Outlook calendars?
- Highlight “hidden” expectations like participation grades, lab attendance, or required readings that aren’t graded but will impact your performance.
Your syllabi weren’t given to you just for funsies; they contain important information to help you be successful.
2. Schedule Advising Check-Ins Before You Need Them
Whether you just met with your advisor through NSO, or haven’t met with your advisor “in a minute,” it’s a great time to check in.
Practical steps:
- New transfer students, check in with your academic advisor again before spring break to share updates and any changes to make to your degree plan and new interests you may want to pursue.
- Returning transfer students, when was the last time you met with an academic advisor? If you can’t remember, it’s probably a sign to check-in. Now that you’ve been here for a bit, ask about campus resources available, major-specific scholarship opportunities, or major-specific career fairs coming up.
- Graduating seniors, the finish line is near, which is a great feeling! However, check in to make sure that you have completed all your requirements (so there aren’t any surprises) and inquire about applying for graduation. (Yes, you must apply to graduate, otherwise MSU does not know that you’re ready to move on to your next “big kid” adventures, like careers and graduate school!)
This proactive approach prevents last-minute scrambles and ensures you’re on track for both short-term success and long-term goals. Ready to make your advising appointment? Login to SIS at student.msu.edu.
3. Set Manageable, Measurable Goals
Ambition is great—overcommitment is not. Transfer students sometimes feel pressure to “catch up” socially and academically, which can lead to burnout.
Practical steps:
- Break big goals into smaller milestones. Instead of “ace every class,” aim for “complete all readings before class” or “attend every office hour this month.”
- Be realistic with your commitments. Do you really have the bandwidth to have a full class schedule, multiple jobs, and involvement in more RSOs than you can count on both hands? Identify your priorities, make sure to build in some “fun”, and focus on quality engagement over quantity. Need some help with managing your time? Sign up for the Academic Time Management workshop offered throughout the semester by our colleagues in Undergraduate Education.
- Track your wins. Small successes build momentum and confidence.
4. Connect Early, Even If It Feels Awkward
Relationships with faculty, classmates, and campus staff can help you get the most out of your Spartan Experience.
Practical steps:
- Introduce yourself to classmates. They probably have the same questions and feelings as you! Maybe try asking a “magical question”?
- Introduce yourself to faculty during office hours. These conversations can lead to other opportunities for research, employment, and career advice.
- Join study groups early to build academic support networks.
- Attend at least one campus event in the first month to meet people outside your classes. Need some inspo? The Transfer Student Success Center has your back; follow TSSC @msutransfersuccess for upcoming events hosted for transfer students.
Here’s to a great (and sustainable) spring semester at MSU!