Adjusting to the Quarter System

How can I get involved and be more connected as a transfer student at UCLA?

Whether you live on campus or off, transfers can find it challenging to get involved and feel plugged into the University. The speed of the quarter system, the transition to a new environment, and the fact that most UCLA transfer students are commuters exacerbates the common tendency to feel isolated or overwhelmed by the new experience.

Even for those that live on campus, most feel that they really need to deliberately search out opportunities to connect with other students (by going to events and reaching out to other students for example) because the campus is so large and busy it is easy to feel disconnected.

Grades, retention, and student wellness are all linked to feeling connected in an academic environment. Mitigate the challenges list above by deliberately searching out opportunities to join in with other students, attend activities, and social, academic, and professional events.

Here are some ways in which to connect and feel more plugged into the university system:

‘Like’ the Transfer Program Facebook Page , Twitter , Instagram , and LinkedIn sites to get instant updates on transfer specific events, activities, resources, and other information pertinent to the transfer community.

Go on the UCLA Transfer Students Facebook Group and meet other transfers! This group is for current and former UCLA transfer students to ask each other questions and have conversations about academics, social life, LA living, campus resources, support, etc. Get a chorus of answers from fellow transfers and dedicated UCLA Transfer Student Program and Bruin Resource Center (BRC) staff. More information about the Transfer Student Program can be found here.

Attend Transfer Transitions (we need a link to this, does not exist yet) a free supplement to orientation that introduces you to seasoned transfers, ways to get involved as a new student, academic adjustment seminars, resources for transfers, and how to map out your time at UCLA to be successful. Transfer Transition Sessions are offered during the summer before your first quarter.

Attend Welcome Week events like the Transfer Student Welcome, Volunteer Day, and the Enormous activities Fair during the week before classes, this is a great time to explore the options.

Look out for Bruin Transfer Pride Week during week three of fall quarter. Bruin Transfer Pride Week (we need a link to this) is a week of transfer programming, events, and a celebration of all things transfer. Bruin Transfer Pride is offered all year long through collaborative transfer programming during week three of every quarter.

Join a student organization; there are a number of transfer specific organizations and over 1000 clubs on campus. Look up UCLA student organizations by keyword.

Whether they are transfer specific or simply student specific, there are a plethora of activities, events, workshops, and service opportunities offered every week during the quarter. Be on the lookout for them through the Transfer Program Page , the AAP website, the CPO Facebook Page , or any of the many other UCLA Facebook groups. There are also events and workshops listed on your MYUCLA homepage , this is a great place to find out what is going on campus. For service opportunities check out the UCLA Volunteer Centers website as well as the Community Service Commissions web page as they offer multitudes of projects throughout the year. If you are looking for sports, arts, and cultural events be sure to follow the UCLA Happenings website.

Even working out at the gym is an opportunity to meet other students with shared interests. Look at what UCLA Recreation has to offer!

Internships, research positions, jobs on campus, and volunteer opportunities are terrific ways to get plugged in and create a cohort.

Talk to people! It may sound silly or seem scary, but the truth is we are all in the same boat. Lots of students feel isolated and shy to just talk to the person next to them, but it is a terrific way to connect.

Start a study group.

Go to office hours! Meet with professors and TAs, and do not be anonymous in class! Terrific relationships and opportunities can come from reaching out to those doing work you are interested in.

Use the resources available to you. If you are feeling stressed, disconnected, or just need some inspiration about how to get more involved stop by the Transfer Program or any other advising office and chat with an advisor. It is not unusual to feel this way as a transfer! Do not feel as though you are alone in this, there are other students feeling the way you are feeling, and there are a tremendous amount of resources to help.

Lean in to opportunity. Anything is possible at UCLA. There is opportunity all around you and all you need to do is lean in to it. Search it out, pick a direction, say yes, and do not be afraid to ask questions!

Am I the only one feeling so overwhelmed and stressed?

You're not alone.

The first quarter can be rattling, and is a huge adjustment, especially if you have never experienced the quarter system. We guarantee you that you are absolutely not alone in these feelings. This is a normal part of the transition and normal part of being a transfer student at UCLA. Plus, UCLA is a huge campus with a gazillion people, opportunities, and activities, so it is easy to get a little stunned by it all. The good news is, there are also a ton of resources and ways in which to help ease the stress. Visit Counseling and Psychological Services , come to transfer specific events and meet other transfer students, or start conversations with students in your courses. This may seem a little obvious but it can often be quite challenging to get to know people unless you reach out. Finding a cohort, a group of friends, or others with shared experiences can be your best resource, will ease stress, and can help you find focus at UCLA.

How can I get involved in campus organizations?

There are over 1,000 student organizations here at UCLA so there should be something that peaks your personal or professional interest.

You can either search for a group by typing in what you are looking for or browse by category. If there is not a student group on campus for what you are interested in, then look in to starting your own student organization, all you need is three likeminded individuals!

Find out more information here.

There are many transfer student specific organization to be involved in as well.

How can I best manage my time for the quarter system?

Be sure to check out workshops and student panels highlighting seasoned transfer students who have been in your shoes. Hear first-hand how others have adjusted academically to the quarter system and learn what to anticipate. These events are offered in the summer during the Transfer Programs free Transfer Transition Sessions , at the beginning of fall quarter, as well as throughout the academic year.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers time management, procrastination, and other helpful workshops throughout the year.

Time management is key when it comes to getting all of your assignments done in 10 weeks. Remind yourself of all the incredible skills you have and what got you to UCLA in the first place, and then utilize those tools in your new environment. It is easy to forget because you are in a new situation, but the fact is you have written papers before, talked to professors before, you have taken exams before, etc. now you just have to refine these skills for the quarter system, but you do not have to relearn them!

Start study groups, use a planner, visit the Undergraduate Writing Center and other academic resources at your disposal, find out about tutors, ask other students –whatever it is that you think you will need to set yourself up for success.

Using a planner effectively is a lifesaver on the quarter system. Put office hours in your weekly planner as though it is part of the course, that way you will not schedule other activities during this time and you can utilize offices hours like tutoring sessions. Try writing in study time this way as well, and the moment you get your class syllabi write down all important assignment due dates in your planner.

Be sure to check out the Study Tips and Time Management for the Quarter System section of the Transfer Student Success Guide for more ideas on how to prepare yourself for your first quarter.

If you feel you are really struggling and that you may have a learning disorder or some other issue that may be affecting your ability to manage your time well be sure to visit CAPS and/or the Office for Students with Disabilities .