<p>As someone entering UChicago this fall as a sophomore transfer (though by credit, relegated back to freshman status), I’m curious to know if there are any transfers on these boards who have been at UChicago for a year or more. If so, what was it like making friends? Finding a niche? How was your living situation? I’ve heard that most transfers are placed into Stony, and that it’s a little difficult to integrate as a transfer since most students do so much bonding during their first year orientation. True, in your experience? False? Anything especially of note about the UChicago transfer experience?</p>
<p>There’s a huge RSO (Club) fair Friday of first week… I think that transfer students have a bit of an uphill battle, because the students who enter as a first-year get the social backing of the house system. To make up for that loss, it’s probably best to integrate yourself extracurricularly as much as you can, and see what the other students you’re living with are like.</p>
<p>You’ll probably feel more at home socially in classes, particularly ones towards the math major-- a huge plus. I have a friend who transferred here from a state u to be a comp lit major, and because the department was small and about as geeky as they come, he fit right in. (I met him through an RSO).</p>
<p>From my experience, the math/physics kids tend to be among the coolest people to spend time with (I know that’s a very self-selecting answer, as I tend to like people who major in those fields) but it’s my way of saying that I don’t think it will be too hard for you to find a cohort.</p>
<p>Ha ha, thanks, unalove. I have a steadily growing list of RSOs that I want to check out for sure during the fair, and I’ll take your advice to heart.</p>
<p>What is it you think you like about math/physics kids? I ask because I find myself magnetically drawn to them, also. I think they’re a blast-- not just because I’m one of them. Before I even had much of a directed interest in math or the sciences I hung out with them all the time and still think they’re the height of fun.</p>
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Stop worrying, oatmelia. You’re not going to have a problem.</p>
<p>Good parental advice right there. </p>
<p>I think I like hanging out with math/physics kids a lot outside of class because I tend to be in class with a lot of humanities and social science kids, so I see the world through those lenses quite often. Sometimes I like a total change of pace from the classroom, and math/physics people provide that. </p>
<p>Also, because the math/physics classes tend to be harder than your typical humanities or social sciences class, the classes tend to be much more collaborative. Three kids in my house all wanted to be physics majors as first-years, and now they are going into their fourth year, still all physics majors, and best friends with each other. It’s particularly amusing to me, because the three of them are very, very, very different from one another…</p>
<p>Oatmealia, </p>
<p>I entered UChicago a sophomore transfer last year. Whatever fears you have about not finding friends, drop them – orientation week will get you immensely close to the rest of your house. Because you’ll be with other transfers, you’ll have similar backgrounds and experiences in ways that you couldn’t predict right now (neither could I). Housing does everything it can to ensure that students have social connections, especially in their individual houses.</p>
<p>If you’re placed in Stony (as you likely will be), that’s an excellent thing – I lived there last year. The RHs are fantastic, fantastic people, and there’s so much space. Plus, you get a kitchen and a balcony. Jackpot!</p>
<p>Thanks, JHS. Your response made me laugh. I guess I hadn’t stepped back enough to see things that way.</p>
<p>rainmanoutofsnow, good to hear that you liked Stony. I’ve only heard negative things about it so far, but truth be told, I’m a reclusive type, so I think a lot of the cons will be pros for me. That is one reason I was worried about not living in the “traditional” dorms: sometimes I need to be forced into human contact. Rooming with three other people should take care of that, though. Also, great to hear that transfer students go through their own bonding rituals. 
I felt like I might miss out on something not having the freshman house experience, but honestly, I feel worlds different from the recently graduated incoming student I was last year (read: ewww, frosh!). So, I’ll be glad to meet people with similar experience.</p>
<p>You’ve all been encouraging. I’m looking forward to September.</p>