According to a study by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, more than a third of college students transfer to another school. If you're in that mindset, here are some tips to help you navigate the transfer journey.
Transfer Mentor Spotlight: Sean DeSautelle '21
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Transfer students make up more than half of the student population at UNH Manchester, bringing a diversity of thought and experience to our college community. We know transferring to a new college isn’t easy, which is why we offer advising, events and resources specifically for transfer students.
Transfer Mentor Spotlights introduce you to our Mentor Ambassadors for Transfer Engagement (MATEs) , trained student leaders—and transfer students themselves—who help incoming transfers adjust to the academic, cultural and social climate of UNH Manchester. This weeks MATE is Sean DeSautelle '21, a literary studies major who transferred from Lakes Region Community College.
What do you like best about being a MATE?
I was initially worried about not finding my “place” in the school’s community as a transfer student. However, those fears were quickly diminished when I arrived at UNH Manchester due to the sheer warmth of everyone on campus, both staff and students. I wanted to be, and love being, a MATE because I love being able to provide that same sense of comfort and familiarity to transfer students and hopefully make a difference in their transition to our school.
What advice do you have for new transfer students?
Meet people! Although the main priority of going to school obviously lies in education, you also meet some of the best people and our school is full of them! Talk to people in your classes. Join clubs and study groups. You won’t regret it.
What brought you to UNH Manchester?
After receiving my Associate’s in Liberal Arts from Lakes Region Community College, I knew that I wanted to immediately continue pursuing a Bachelor’s the fall thereafter. UNH Manchester stood out to me in many ways including the absolute friendliness of the staff and students, as well as the intimate student to professor ratio. And I absolutely love the old mill architecture!
Favorite UNH Manchester memory?
It’s going to sound cheesy, but I really can’t pinpoint a specific memory because it’s honestly been so wonderful all around. With the people I’ve met at here, I’ve shared some great laughs, lovely conversations, and made some friends I know I’ll have for life.
What’s your favorite class and why?
My favorite classes I’ve taken have been any of my literature courses, which include American Lit II and Contemporary Irish Lit. At UNH Manchester, a lot of the literature classes have less students which allows for incredibly insightful and intriguing discussion. I recommend transfer students of any major to take a literature class here!
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
Regardless of where I am in terms of geography or marital status, I hope to be doing some meaningful in ten years. I want to continue to have a positive impact on people’s lives.
Tell us your favorite:
- Manchester restaurant: Noodz! If you go I totally recommended trying the Sweet Potato Bao Buns.
- New Hampshire destination: Downtown Portsmouth or the Flume Gorge in Franconia.
- Vacation destination: New York City, baby!
- Movie: "The Devil Wears Prada"
- Book: As a literature major I could easily list dozens, but I’ll stick with two and say "The Dud Avocado" by Elaine Dundy and "NW" by Zadie Smith.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Sweden! The natural landscapes are so breathtaking.
As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?
For the longest time I wanted to be an illustrator or cartoonist. I think it was fourth grade when I realized I couldn’t actually draw that well.
We’d be surprised to know that…
In one semester I spent seven hundred dollars at coffee shops…
If you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt?
Being a travel writer or blogger because it would incorporate my love for writing and I’d get to see the world.
If you could go on a road trip with anyone (from the past or present), who would you choose and where would you go?
Honestly, I would just choose a few close friends of mine and head out west, making sure to stop in Colorado and New Mexico.
CONSIDERING UNH MANCHESTER?
More than half of our students come from other institutions, so we offer scholarships, resources and academic counseling specific to transfer students. LEARN More and apply
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