Transfer vs. new student in college: What's the difference?

I'm trying to understand what the differences are between being a transfer student and a new student at a university. Does it affect things like orientation or course availability?

The primary difference between a transfer student and a new student (or freshman) is the timing of their admission and their prior educational experiences.

Transfer students have usually completed college credits after high school at a different institution, and are now transferring into a new university with the intention to continue their undergraduate studies. This means they often have to work with academic advisors to ensure that their previous college credits get transferred and are recognized by the new institution, minimizing the potential for having to retake certain courses. As a transfer student, you might also find that certain classes or majors have prerequisites that need to be satisfied before enrollment, which could impact your course availability.

New students, on the other hand, are those coming directly from high school or who haven't obtained college credits yet. Their enrollment starts with first-year courses, and their progression through their undergraduate studies is usually more linear since they'll follow the four-year plan set by their university from the beginning.

Regarding orientation, most universities will indeed have different orientation programs for new students and transfer students. Transfer student orientations often take into account that these students might already be familiar with college systems and culture, so they concentrate more on introducing students to the resources and culture of the new university specifically.

Finally, in terms of scholarships and financial aid, some institutions may have fewer resources designated for transfer students compared to new students. Therefore, the timing and strategy around financial aid and scholarships could vary between the two.

It's always good to reach out to the specific institution you're interested in to learn about the particularities of their programs and resources for both new and transfer students. The circumstances can vary greatly from school to school.

For example, at colleges with capacity, transfer students may find that they have an advantage in gaining admission to more popular courses, which may be full by the time new students register. Some colleges also offer special housing or themed living-learning communities, specifically for transfer students. These communities can make the transition smoother and introduce you to other students in the same situation.

These are just some general observations, and the specifics could differ depending on the individual university. It's always recommended to reach out to the admissions office, current students, or counselors in the college you're interested in transferring to in order to get a complete picture of what your experience might look like.