RafuSS
New member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2026
- Messages
- 11
Transferring to UCLA was the hardest thing I've ever done. Here's what I wish someone had told me.
The campus is huge. Like, actually huge. I got lost constantly my first month. Google Maps helped. So did walking everywhere until I learned the shortcuts. Give yourself extra time.
You have to make friends on purpose. At CC, I knew people from my town. Here, I knew no one. I had to join clubs, talk to people in class, actually try. It was awkward. It worked.
Financial aid is different. My CC gave me a check. Here, it's more complicated. The financial aid office has long lines. Go early. Bring snacks. Be patient.
Professors are famous. Some of my professors are literally the top people in their fields. It's intimidating. But they're also just people. One helped me with a grad school application. Another wrote me a rec letter even though I was "just a transfer."
You're not behind. I felt like everyone knew more than me. They didn't. They just had more time at UCLA. By senior year, the gap had closed. Trust the process.
The view from Janss Steps never gets old. Some nights, after studying, I sit there and look at the lights. Remember that I made it. That I belong here. That view is worth everything.
To any transfer: it's hard. But it's worth it. Keep going.
The campus is huge. Like, actually huge. I got lost constantly my first month. Google Maps helped. So did walking everywhere until I learned the shortcuts. Give yourself extra time.
You have to make friends on purpose. At CC, I knew people from my town. Here, I knew no one. I had to join clubs, talk to people in class, actually try. It was awkward. It worked.
Financial aid is different. My CC gave me a check. Here, it's more complicated. The financial aid office has long lines. Go early. Bring snacks. Be patient.
Professors are famous. Some of my professors are literally the top people in their fields. It's intimidating. But they're also just people. One helped me with a grad school application. Another wrote me a rec letter even though I was "just a transfer."
You're not behind. I felt like everyone knew more than me. They didn't. They just had more time at UCLA. By senior year, the gap had closed. Trust the process.
The view from Janss Steps never gets old. Some nights, after studying, I sit there and look at the lights. Remember that I made it. That I belong here. That view is worth everything.
To any transfer: it's hard. But it's worth it. Keep going.
