Exploring Coping Strategies of Transfer Students Joining Universities From Colleges

Abstract

Students transitioning from colleges to universities in the United Kingdom (UK) into the second or third year of an undergraduate programme must quickly adapt to a new learning environment and new expectations. The process of transition includes intense demands on their time and, for many, a requirement to commute. The consequence can be a limited university experience compared to those who began their studies in the traditional first year. With the increase in the numbers of transfer students studying at universities in the UK, this study was set up to explore the challenges of transition at two universities using an online survey and focus groups. Results show that transfer students cope with their transition to university in multiple ways, categorised into the following themes: learning expectations, peer support, online engagement, cue-seeking and efficiency. By supporting the use of these coping strategies, universities can facilitate a better student experience and enhance student success.

How Do UK University Students Achieve Sustainable Learning in Digital Era

“…Commuting is necessary for many college students as well. As a consequence, students who begin their studies in the conventional first year may have insufficient academic experience, the move to university will be stressful for many people due to the obvious new obligations involved, especially if it entails leaving home, and this higher degree of stress may be attributable in part to a lack of the customary personal network of support, such as friends and family [15]. As colleges continue to recruit a much more varied student body, including both experienced and mature students, many of whom are already engaged, a deeper understanding of their transition experience is required.…”

A Preliminary Factor Analysis on the Success of Computing Major Transfer Students

“…According to the literature, transfer students fall into two categories that need different kinds of guidance to succeed in a new institution [11], [12]. The first category of transfer students includes those who pre-plan the transfer before getting admission into a community college [13], [14], [15], [16]. This category often includes students who choose to take general education courses or earn an associate degree at a community college before transferring to a 4-year institution (often because of the lower cost of tuition).…”