What to Expect as a UCCS Transfer Student

When I transferred to UCCS from California in August 2009, I didn't know quite what to expect. All I really knew was what I had heard: that it's a good school and has pretty much everything you would expect from the Boulder and Denver campuses.

By the end of my first semester, I was in full agreement with everything I had heard. UCCS had proven to be everything I'd expected plus more, and I was looking forward to continuing in the Spring.

Now, of course, experiences vary from person to person. But at the end of the day you will take away from UCCS what you seek to put into it. So if you are arriving here as a transfer student, allow me to introduce you to a couple of pointers that I learned on my own while getting settled into the UCCS atmosphere. If you find my advice to be of help, great; and if not, I have no doubt you will find your own path to acclimation all the same.

First, after your initial orientation, which the university requires for all transfer students, you may have a somewhat decent feel for the campus and different facilities, Columbine Hall, Dwire Hall, "the old" Engineering building, the Science and Engineering building, the Recreation Center, etc.

However, I personally found that taking half an hour or so to tour the campus alone and away from a guided group gave me a more thorough idea of locations and facilities, as there was no tour guide present at the time to rush me along. Take 30-45 minutes to scout out the campus on your own. It's pretty hard to get lost, and at the very least you'll get a chance to take in some decent scenery here and there.

Next, get involved with campus activities and events where they arise. You will find that there are a multitude of clubs and organizations to choose from. Usually during the first month of the Fall semester, the school will hold an organization fair of sorts to give students an idea of the different clubs, fraternities, and sororities that are around and always seeking to increase membership.

So look into something that interests you and get involved. It'll make your college experience that much more fulfilling while also giving you a chance to meet some awesome people along the way.

You will come to find sooner or later that if there is one issue on this campus that peeves everyone, it is parking and its lack thereof. If you do indeed decide to spend close to 350 dollars on a full semester parking pass, like the price of your pass, you will find the availability of parking spaces to be nothing short of a nightmare, as all lots are usually filled to capacity at certain times of the day.

On the upside, Parking at Four Diamonds is free and convenient if you manage your commuting time well. There is a church located off of Acacia St. which also allows students to park for free and runs parallel to Austin Bluffs; from there it is a short 5 minute walk to the campus across Austin Bluffs Parkway.

Well, I think that about covers the basic essentials of what you should take note to as an incoming transfer student. Keep in mind, you have indeed chosen an exceptional and unique university with which to continue your education. With top notch facilities, and highly knowledgeable professors, I have no doubt you will come to appreciate your transfer decision by the end of your first semester, just as I did.