5 answers
Maria
Student
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
5
Questions
Updated
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What should someone keep in mind when planning a transfer to a school across the country?
I'm going to transfer to a college on the West Coast next fall. I currently live on the East Coast. Aside from finances and homesickness what are some other things to keep in mind as I relocate there for school? I would be living in the dorm and there is local public transportation at the school.
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
One thing that I have always told students is become engaged in what is commonly called "Campus Navigation." Especially if you are going to attend a college that is out of state or far from your home base.
Many colleges have campus tour programs, which provides an initial introduction to the college campus, but I recommend that all students go well beyond the campus tour.
I recommend getting a map of the campus and going for several visits. Visiting various location on campus can help, if you need assistance or feel lost when you arrive.
Many college professors and academic advisors have office hours, which enables current and future students to visit, so they can discuss their future college major or the possible path they should take towards attaining a degree.
Many campuses have college employment offices, which provide information and possible opportunities for employment and future internships.
I also recommend visiting the library, to check out where the best study locations are on the campus.
Checking out the locations of your future classes and becoming well acquainted with campus building can help avoid any issues when you arrive.
Find the buildings which house the various departments, like financial aid, admissions, college security and parking, student life, and campus housing, can also help.
The more knowledge you have of the college campus, it environment, and where resources can be found, the less apprehensive and confused you will be when you arrive on the campus to start your college experience.
Many colleges have campus tour programs, which provides an initial introduction to the college campus, but I recommend that all students go well beyond the campus tour.
I recommend getting a map of the campus and going for several visits. Visiting various location on campus can help, if you need assistance or feel lost when you arrive.
Many college professors and academic advisors have office hours, which enables current and future students to visit, so they can discuss their future college major or the possible path they should take towards attaining a degree.
Many campuses have college employment offices, which provide information and possible opportunities for employment and future internships.
I also recommend visiting the library, to check out where the best study locations are on the campus.
Checking out the locations of your future classes and becoming well acquainted with campus building can help avoid any issues when you arrive.
Find the buildings which house the various departments, like financial aid, admissions, college security and parking, student life, and campus housing, can also help.
The more knowledge you have of the college campus, it environment, and where resources can be found, the less apprehensive and confused you will be when you arrive on the campus to start your college experience.
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Maria! Transferring across the country is a big step, and it’s great that you’re already thinking beyond finances and logistics.
Here are some important things to consider when moving from the East Coast to the West Coast for school:
1. Academic expectations & campus culture
Even if your major stays the same, teaching styles, workload, and classroom dynamics can feel different. It helps to connect early with academic advisors, tutoring centers, or study groups to adjust smoothly.
2. Pace of life & cultural differences
The West Coast often has a different rhythm, social style, and communication culture compared to the East Coast. Give yourself time to observe, adapt, and not compare constantly—it’s a transition, not a test.
3. Emotional adjustment & homesickness
Missing family, friends, and familiar routines is very normal. Planning regular check-ins with loved ones, while also building new routines and connections on campus, can make a big difference.
4. Support systems on campus
Look into counseling services, student organizations, cultural clubs, and orientation programs. These resources are especially helpful during the first semester and can support both your mental health and social life.
5. Independence & daily life skills
Living on campus with public transportation is great, but things like managing time, meals, health appointments, and self-care become more important when you’re far from home.
6. Identity growth
This move is not just geographic—it’s personal. You’ll likely grow in confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. Try to see challenges as part of that growth rather than signs you made the wrong decision.
Overall, preparation is important, but flexibility and self-compassion matter just as much. Moving across the country can be challenging, but it’s also a powerful opportunity to learn about yourself and build independence.
Wishing you the best in this new chapter—you’re already thinking ahead in the right way!
Here are some important things to consider when moving from the East Coast to the West Coast for school:
1. Academic expectations & campus culture
Even if your major stays the same, teaching styles, workload, and classroom dynamics can feel different. It helps to connect early with academic advisors, tutoring centers, or study groups to adjust smoothly.
2. Pace of life & cultural differences
The West Coast often has a different rhythm, social style, and communication culture compared to the East Coast. Give yourself time to observe, adapt, and not compare constantly—it’s a transition, not a test.
3. Emotional adjustment & homesickness
Missing family, friends, and familiar routines is very normal. Planning regular check-ins with loved ones, while also building new routines and connections on campus, can make a big difference.
4. Support systems on campus
Look into counseling services, student organizations, cultural clubs, and orientation programs. These resources are especially helpful during the first semester and can support both your mental health and social life.
5. Independence & daily life skills
Living on campus with public transportation is great, but things like managing time, meals, health appointments, and self-care become more important when you’re far from home.
6. Identity growth
This move is not just geographic—it’s personal. You’ll likely grow in confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. Try to see challenges as part of that growth rather than signs you made the wrong decision.
Overall, preparation is important, but flexibility and self-compassion matter just as much. Moving across the country can be challenging, but it’s also a powerful opportunity to learn about yourself and build independence.
Wishing you the best in this new chapter—you’re already thinking ahead in the right way!
Wafaa Basanda
Credit controller
10
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Wafaa’s Answer
1. Climate & environment:
Expect different weather and air quality compared to the East Coast, so plan your clothing accordingly.
2. Time zone shift:
The 3-hour time difference means you'll need to adjust when you call home, attend online events, and manage your sleep.
3. Academic transition:
Look into transfer credit policies, advising services, and how easy it is to register for classes and meet new friends as a transfer student.
4. Everyday logistics:
Figure out how to get groceries, reach the airport, and use public transportation on weekends or late at night.
5. Health & support:
Learn how your health insurance works in the new state and where to find medical or counseling services.
6. What to bring vs. buy:
Pack light and plan to buy dorm essentials after you arrive.
7. Breaks & storage:
Decide which holidays you'll go home for and where to store your things over the summer.
Expect different weather and air quality compared to the East Coast, so plan your clothing accordingly.
2. Time zone shift:
The 3-hour time difference means you'll need to adjust when you call home, attend online events, and manage your sleep.
3. Academic transition:
Look into transfer credit policies, advising services, and how easy it is to register for classes and meet new friends as a transfer student.
4. Everyday logistics:
Figure out how to get groceries, reach the airport, and use public transportation on weekends or late at night.
5. Health & support:
Learn how your health insurance works in the new state and where to find medical or counseling services.
6. What to bring vs. buy:
Pack light and plan to buy dorm essentials after you arrive.
7. Breaks & storage:
Decide which holidays you'll go home for and where to store your things over the summer.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Maria !
I did the same thing that you will be doing only I did it many years ago. It is interesting to hear other people's stories but you will have your own experience and it can be an exciting adventure as it was for me.
You've taken care of the actual most important thing which is great - where you will live. I didn't live in the dorms, rather had roommates in a house for the first year and then one roommate in a two bedroom apartment. Thereafter, I went on my own with a studio apartment, but it was very affordable to do back then. So it's great that you will be in the dorms. It's great and you will be the "new kid in town" which is genuinely a good feeling, actually.
As for homesickness, I flew home after a year for a family event and I made sure that I made it a long visit. I stayed three weeks. To be honest, I missed friends but made so many new ones in college and was studying my dream job, so it was nice to go back to visit every couple of years (I stayed in my new state for ten years), but I was growing and becoming a new person where I moved to. Back in those days, phone calls and letters were the only way to stay in touch, but today, you have video conferencing, texting, e-mail plus the phone calling. So whenever you want that family or hometown familiarity, it's just a click away. One of my best friends from high school decided to move in with me after I was there for a few months so she was one of the roommates in the beginning.
You will love the weather ! I specifically went from New York State to California. You didn't mention if you are South East or North East and which actual State you'd be moving to, so that will make a difference regarding getting used to new (or the same) weather. Some states out West are similar in weather to some Eastern States - like Oregon and Washington can be similar types of weather as PA. I loved the transition - I went to a warm climate, no snow and ice and didn't rain as much but when it rained, it poured.
People on the other coast are different, but the same. I found the West Coast to be very friendly and very comfortable with meeting new people. I was received well and it was easy to make friends and find activities to do. It was a big change from my small birth town at which there was nothing for teenagers at that time.
Try to travel light for the move. Buy much of your belongings and personal items once you get there.
My story can be considered a bit irrelevant because it happened at a time during the late 1970's when our country was still reasonable when it came to how much things cost and people took the time for things. The pace did seem slower in CA than it did in general for NY, but I don't know how it is now.
I wish you all the best on your cross country move and many exciting times being a student in a new State !
I did the same thing that you will be doing only I did it many years ago. It is interesting to hear other people's stories but you will have your own experience and it can be an exciting adventure as it was for me.
You've taken care of the actual most important thing which is great - where you will live. I didn't live in the dorms, rather had roommates in a house for the first year and then one roommate in a two bedroom apartment. Thereafter, I went on my own with a studio apartment, but it was very affordable to do back then. So it's great that you will be in the dorms. It's great and you will be the "new kid in town" which is genuinely a good feeling, actually.
As for homesickness, I flew home after a year for a family event and I made sure that I made it a long visit. I stayed three weeks. To be honest, I missed friends but made so many new ones in college and was studying my dream job, so it was nice to go back to visit every couple of years (I stayed in my new state for ten years), but I was growing and becoming a new person where I moved to. Back in those days, phone calls and letters were the only way to stay in touch, but today, you have video conferencing, texting, e-mail plus the phone calling. So whenever you want that family or hometown familiarity, it's just a click away. One of my best friends from high school decided to move in with me after I was there for a few months so she was one of the roommates in the beginning.
You will love the weather ! I specifically went from New York State to California. You didn't mention if you are South East or North East and which actual State you'd be moving to, so that will make a difference regarding getting used to new (or the same) weather. Some states out West are similar in weather to some Eastern States - like Oregon and Washington can be similar types of weather as PA. I loved the transition - I went to a warm climate, no snow and ice and didn't rain as much but when it rained, it poured.
People on the other coast are different, but the same. I found the West Coast to be very friendly and very comfortable with meeting new people. I was received well and it was easy to make friends and find activities to do. It was a big change from my small birth town at which there was nothing for teenagers at that time.
Try to travel light for the move. Buy much of your belongings and personal items once you get there.
My story can be considered a bit irrelevant because it happened at a time during the late 1970's when our country was still reasonable when it came to how much things cost and people took the time for things. The pace did seem slower in CA than it did in general for NY, but I don't know how it is now.
I wish you all the best on your cross country move and many exciting times being a student in a new State !
Marisa Fitz
CareerVillage.org TeamPartnerships Manager
24
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marisa’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Maria,
Great question! First of all, congratulations! This is going to be such an exciting adventure. I also moved across the country, from the east coast to California for college, and it was the best decision I ever made! Also, the fact that you're asking this question so thoughtfully tells me you already have the tools in your kit for a big adjustment like this. It might sound silly but something that surprised me was all of the questions I got asked about the east coast. It can be an adjustment to not have the shared knowledge about the place you're from with the people around you - but it's also fun to be able to share about your home with new people! Tips for homesickness:
1) I printed out a lot of pictures from my home and family to put up in my dorm
2) Schedule FaceTimes/calls to make sure the time zones don't get in the way of catching up with friends/family
3) Remember that when you first go to college everyone is homesick - no matter how far away from home you are - so don't be afraid to talk about it with new friends!
Best of luck, and enjoy it all!
Great question! First of all, congratulations! This is going to be such an exciting adventure. I also moved across the country, from the east coast to California for college, and it was the best decision I ever made! Also, the fact that you're asking this question so thoughtfully tells me you already have the tools in your kit for a big adjustment like this. It might sound silly but something that surprised me was all of the questions I got asked about the east coast. It can be an adjustment to not have the shared knowledge about the place you're from with the people around you - but it's also fun to be able to share about your home with new people! Tips for homesickness:
1) I printed out a lot of pictures from my home and family to put up in my dorm
2) Schedule FaceTimes/calls to make sure the time zones don't get in the way of catching up with friends/family
3) Remember that when you first go to college everyone is homesick - no matter how far away from home you are - so don't be afraid to talk about it with new friends!
Best of luck, and enjoy it all!