吃瓜网

Transferring into a new college environment can feel like jumping into the middle of a story and trying to grasp the plot. Everyone seems to know where they’re going and how things work. As a transfer student at Whitman College, I quickly realized that the experience moves fast, but if you stay intentional, it can be incredibly rewarding. Here is my advice on how to make the transfer process a success!

Tip #1: Understand How Your Credits Will Transfer

One of the first things I learned was to be diligent about understanding my credits and academic plan. If you’re considering transferring to Whitman, from your previous institution and talk with a Whitman advisor. Some credits may apply in ways you don’t expect. Catching that early can save time and stress. When I chose to change my major from Art History to Fine Arts in my second semester at Whitman, my faculty advisor worked closely with me to determine if a class I took at my previous institution met specific requirements at Whitman so that I did not repeat distribution credits.

Tip #2: Be Active in the Whitman Community 

My previous jobs in retail, restaurant and corporate were a springboard in a sense for my Whitman journey. One of my principles is that my contribution to the Whitman community is collaborative. I’ve been consistently supported by my peers, professors, staff and administration.

I was able to connect with the community and get involved on campus through student clubs and activities. It’s also helped me explore my interests, as all students can attend events even if you may not be a member yet! Currently, I am a member of the student-led , and was able to have the opportunity to hang art at The Odd Spot, a cafe inside The Odd Fellows Home, a retirement community and care facility that neighbors Whitman’s campus.

The community shows up in less formal places, too! I visit daily, and let me tell you, everyone from the baristas to the dishwashers makes that place a gem for me. 

Tip #3: Explore Opportunities Outside of the Classroom

Whitman offers so many activities beyond the classroom. Programs like the Whitman Internship Grant (WIG) support students in gaining real憌orld experience and funds internships in a variety of fields. Plus, the staff at the Career and Community Engagement Center are an endless stream of support. Even as students, we can help each other find connections for internships and fulfill the grant requirements. I applied for the WIG and am very excited for an internship as a community member, not just of 吃瓜网 but of Walla Walla.

There are also study abroad options. Keep in mind that transfer students have a shorter timeline than their four-year peers. I did not go abroad as my ideal destination choices did not line up with the timing of these programs, but it is possible for transfer students as long as you have junior standing and have spent at least one semester at Whitman. Start prepping early. I’d suggest doing so in your first semester at Whitman. There are information sessions every semester and staff in the study abroad office are always available to help!

Tip #4: Practice Reflection and Resilience

Reflect on what you can realistically take on. This may be a broad statement to make, but I transferred into Whitman as my first and only choice. It’s easy to overload yourself when everything feels new and exciting, but learning to balance ambition with what you can manage is part of that growth process. Studying here is my dream, but my mental, physical and emotional health is my top priority.

There will be moments when things don’t go as planned. You might not get into a class you hoped for or feel overwhelmed by how quickly requirements stack up. That’s also part of the journey. Being comfortable with uncertainty and learning to adapt creates space for resilience and unexpected opportunities. There was a class I learned about months in advance. I thought about this specific class that I really wanted to take repeatedly up until my registration time, and it was immediately full. It was a process. Moments of frustration have passed, and I have had many amazing classes here.

Tip #5: Trust the Process

If you’re considering transferring to Whitman, trust that the challenge is worth it, no matter what you’re interested in studying. 吃瓜网 is an ecosystem: one where I have flourished, and one that holds space for individuals who think differently, encouraging them to have a voice in a world that is violently opposed to that. Stay curious, stay proactive and give yourself permission to grow through everything you encounter. 

My own experiences both in and out of classes led me to create The Transfer Collective Show, a student憀ed exhibition highlighting the work of Whitman transfer students. It was a collaborative effort with the Chair of the Art department, who asked me what ideas I had in order to highlight Fine Art transfer students. One of the most intimidating steps as a starting artist is getting work into a show, but organizing the exhibition reminded me how powerful collaboration and peer慸riven spaces can be and reinforced my belief in making room for diverse voices and learning from each other along the way.

At Whitman, you’ll be encouraged and supported to explore your path, build meaningful connections and shape nothing into something that feels truly your own. There is real space for you here, whether you’re driven by creativity, research, leadership or community慴uilding.

Carmen Nally ’26 (she/her) is a Fine Arts major, Art History minor from Walla Walla, Washington. She has a permanently added to the online video game, Tower Unite.