Finding Research as A Transfer Student

Transferring schools can be an overwhelming and daunting experience. Everything is new–classes, classmates, dining halls, professors–everything. The transition can feel like starting over, only you aren’t given the leniency and support of being a first-year student. Furthermore, while adjusting to a new academic environment, you must also build a new social network from scratch. Fortunately, there are many great ways to do this at UNH. You can join clubs, play intramural sports, and attend dorm socials, but for me, I found research.

After transferring to UNH my sophomore year, I faced many of the common challenges students experience. My professors and classmates were foreign, and I had very limited connections around campus. Initially, it was difficult to focus on school while developing a social network. Following my first semester, I made the decision to get more involved and turned to research in the UNH Catalysis Laboratory. I knew I wanted to go to graduate school but also needed to meet more people. Research was the perfect way to accomplish both goals. 

Joining my research lab introduced me to a group of driven and welcoming students. Over time, I developed meaningful friendships and became more connected to people around campus. Research not only gave me professional experience, but also a community.

In addition to newfound friends, research has significantly accelerated my professional development and directly contributed to my success at UNH. My research work over the spring semester forced me to balance research and coursework, sharpening my time management skills. That experience helped me achieve a Summer Undergraduate Research Award (SURF), allowing me to continue my research full-time over the summer. During that summer, I realized research was truly a passion of mine. Since then, I have continued research each semester, strengthening technical and critical thinking skills. These skills have translated directly to my coursework, making me both a stronger student and researcher. 

That said, research may not be suitable for every transfer student, especially right away. Because the transition to a new school is demanding, coursework must be your priority. Personally, I waited until my second semester at UNH to pursue research. At this point I felt settled and confident in my courses. It’s also important to remember research isn’t the only way to build connections or develop skills. But if you’re considering graduate school or want to enhance skills such as time-management, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, research can be a great opportunity. 

One of the best parts about research at UNH is how accessible it is. There are countless ways to get involved and many professors are eager to bring new students into their lab, even those without experience. A great first step is to read department faculty research pages and find an area of interest to you. Then reach out to a professor and express your interest. Additionally, “Reaching Out to Find a Research Mentor” by Jaylyn Jewell is a great post on the Undergraduate Research Blog that outlines ways to find a mentor. After you connect, it’s all about finding if that lab is the right fit.

At UNH research is encouraged and supported for students of all majors, something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Speaking from personal experience, at my previous school, research opportunities were limited and typically exclusive to upperclassmen. But at UNH, you can get involved with research as soon as your first year, and it’s never too late to get involved in research, even as a transfer student. I didn’t start research until my second semester at UNH, once I felt settled in my coursework. Even in that short time, just a year later, I’ve already seen the success and opportunities research has given me. Ultimately, the skills and experience I gained from research helped me earn a Department of Energy Summer Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI), to conduct research at the Idaho Falls National Laboratory this summer. This is all to say that research is a fantastic way to develop professional experience that will directly contribute to your future success.

If you’re a transfer student trying to find your place at UNH, research could be the perfect way to connect and develop professional skills. It was for me. Reach out and send that email, you won’t regret it.