In late September 2022, I found myself on the precipice of the academic year at a new university – for the second time. Here, I’ll talk about my experience of being a second year transfer student in the hopes it’ll offer some guidance and maybe even resonate a little with some of the feelings that go along with it.
Overlooking the biology greenhouses
The Why
My decision to transfer was not something that I took lightly. I knew it would come with all those challenges that are a given when starting a new university: finding your way around an unfamiliar city, trying to make new friends, having to ask for directions to lecture theatres. Fortunately, the risk paid off and I’ve had some of the best years of my life in York. I even stayed on to do a Masters by Research.
Before York, I was at a university in a much bigger and more urban city studying Biological Science. It’s not that I didn’t like some aspects of where I lived, or enjoyed some parts of the course, but I couldn’t see myself continuing for another two years. The Biotechnology and Microbiology BSc (now Biotechnology BSc) at the university was much more specific to the things I found really interesting about biology. The fact it was in one of the, in my humble opinion, most beautiful cities in the UK, was really just a bonus.
Another thing that feels important to mention is that I felt incredibly isolated and lonely during my first year of university. Undoubtedly, there were a few things contributing to this. It was the tail end of covid and social distancing was still somewhat in play. I’m from a very rural part of Cumbria (see also: country bumpkin) and this was my first encounter with a big city. But all in all, I wasn’t particularly happy. Anyone who’s been in the same position might happen to know that this is a pretty good motivator for starting anew.
It wouldn’t be a post about York if there wasn’t a picture of the Minster
The How
So, I sent an email to the Biology Department at the University of York. Initially this was out of pure curiosity as to whether or not transferring was even an option. Spoiler alert: it is. I had good marks from my first year, which were taken into consideration because my A levels didn’t meet their requirements, and my modules aligned with their taught content, meaning I could go straight into their second year. I had to re-apply via UCAS and write another personal statement, but after my final results came in, the transfer was official and I could safely start looking for accommodation.
The biology department (taken my first autumn in York)
Spot the difference
One of the most notable differences I found when I started at York was the teaching styles. Previously, my lectures had been in 3 hour blocks and alternated with lab practicals every other week. Here, though, lectures lasted an hour and alternated with lab practicals, workshops, and tutorials. This was my first taste of group work at university and it’s hard to articulate just how much of a difference this made to my experience. I met so many more people and made so many more friends; in my opinion this is possibly one of the biggest determinants as to whether or not you enjoy your degree.
The methods of assessment were also more varied. I’ve written lab reports, created scientific posters to show the methods of genetically modifying a yam, and interviewed a renowned researcher to write a newspaper article on their recent work. As a now postgraduate researcher, I can attest that all of this has contributed to a skill set that I use everyday both inside and outside the lab.
If you happen to have had a wander around the university campus (I’m mainly based at Campus West ), you may have admired its green space and variety of birds. As an avid bird appreciator, and sometimes watcher when I remember my binoculars, this also improved my general wellbeing. Even if the ‘great outdoors’ isn’t for you, York has a variety of cute cafes, clubs, and climbing walls.
A sample of the flora and fauna found on Campus West
Final thoughts
Everyone’s reason(s) for transferring are unique and come with some acceptance of the difficulties that inevitably lie ahead. My biggest piece of advice is to value this fresh start as much as you can. Make the effort to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, join societies, and explore the wonderful city of York.
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