Photos courtesy of Kelsey Martirano (COM’23)

Student Voices

My Experience as a Transfer Student during a Global Pandemic

A Class of 2023 member reflects on her journey to BU in the midst of worldwide turmoil

With the 2021-2022 school year slowly approaching, I found myself reminiscing over the past year and a half. The pandemic undoubtedly tilted life as we knew it on its axis, and like everyone else, I spent much of the last 18 months indoors. However, unlike many, I transferred schools amid the COVID-19 global pandemic, making for a unique experience.

For a bit of context, I applied to transfer to Boston University in January 2020, with the hope of being admitted and attending BU that fall. At the time, I had no idea how much the world, and my life, would change just two months later.

After being admitted to BU’s Class of 2023, I found myself in a rather complex situation. Do I move to campus or stay remote? The fall of 2020 presented many students with a difficult choice, with mine being no exception. However, as a new student, knowing next to no one at BU, I struggled to determine the best plan for me socially and academically. Ultimately, I settled on learning remotely that fall with the determination to move to Boston in spring 2021.

Once I found a roommate, thanks to the Boston University Class of 2023 Facebook Group, I scheduled my move-in for that January. After weeks of preparation, I packed up my dad’s truck and moved into what I believe is one of the tiniest dorm rooms on Bay State Road.

Regardless of the pandemic, transferring is one giant leap of faith, with its own set of challenges. On top of it all, I had never lived in a large city like Boston, which came with its own adjustments, such as navigating the MBTA, known to Bostonians as the “T,” and adapting to the never-ending city noise. Eventually, I figured it out, not without a few bumps along the way.

Acclimating to life at Boston University was rather interesting, as I heard students and faculty reminisce about a version of BU that I never knew. I only knew BU’s campus and classrooms as socially distanced, mask-wearing, and green badge–requiring places. Luckily, I was able to meet other transfer students who felt the same.

When comparing the social and academic difficulties that come with transferring, I found comfort in the kindness shown to me at BU. As I adjusted to my classes, I encountered challenges here and there, yet the professors I had were more than accommodating and understanding, which I am still so grateful for. Similarly, I found amazing people who went out of their way to make space for me despite already having their own friend groups.

With all of that said, I want to be transparent and reiterate that it was by no means easy. There were callous times along the way, and while lots of things are simply out of our control, I inevitably had to decide if those things were going to define me and my experience. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, but there are defining moments in life where you have to determine which path you’re going to take. While transferring was not the easier path, it is the path I knew I needed to take, and I’m so glad I did.

When looking back over the past 18 months, I have overwhelming thoughts and feelings, and while the future is still uncertain, I think it’s safe to say that we have all come a very long way. I have immense pride for my fellow transfers and myself for the leap of faith we all decided to take during unprecedented times.