New Bearings 2015

NEWBEARINGSA guide for transfer and exchange students

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

What's a WUSA?

Meet the WUSA Team

The Transfer Experience

The Exchange Experience

The Dual Degree Experience

Transitioning to WU

Academic Tips

Campus Life Tips

Housing Options

Life Off Campus

Weekend Trips

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Edited by Michael Toney, Alicia Salvino ’15, and Richard Lee ‘16

Designed by Chan Kwon ’16

Photography by WU Photographic Services, Bonner Williams ‘16, and Jordan Gamble ’14

2 NEW BEARINGS

WELCOME

Welcome to Washington University in St. Louis! Whether you’re staying with us for a semester or a year or for the remainder of your undergraduate education, we are glad you are now a part of the Washington University community. Hopefully, you'll find it is supportive and open to all. Transfer and exchange students enrich our community with their range of experiences and backgrounds.

The First Year Center supports new students through their transition into the Washington University community. We know this isn’t your first time doing “the college thing,” but we want to provide the resources to make you successful, both academically and socially, during your time on campus. As you prepare for your time here, you will share many similar experiences with other new students, beginning with Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation. We encourage you to take advantage of this time as well as the programs hosted by the Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs) throughout the year.

As a transfer, dual degree, or exchange student, your needs and questions may be different than other new-to-Washington University students. You’ll probably find yourself looking for information other upper-class students have already figured out in their underclass years at Wash U. This publication was created to fill in that gap and to give you some thoughts and tips from the perspective of students who know exactly what position you're in now. Everything in this guide has been written by transfer or exchange students.

You're also receiving Bear Facts, the publication for all new students at Wash U, and we encourage you to read through it! Bear Facts includes maps of campus and living areas, information about academic registration, and much more. Use this publication to gain insight into what makes Wash U different from your previous institution and how to make the most of your time here.

We look forward to seeing you in August

Richard Lee, `16Seoul, South KoreaTransfer & Exchange ChairFirst Year Center Executive Board

FROM THE FIRST YEAR CENTER

FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU 3

WHAT'S A WUSA?Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs) are student leaders who have gone through the same transition as you and can act as academic and social resources. Transfer WUSAs have all transferred from another institution, exchange WUSAs have studied abroad, and dual degree WUSAs are second year students in the Engineering dual degree program. These students are available throughout Bear Beginnings as well as the rest of the year to help you move in, answer your questions, and assist with just about anything you might need.

ABOUT THE T/X TEAMIn the same way each residential college has a mascot, the transfer/exchange (TX) community has one as well: the Transferasaurus Rex. Many students take pride in their residential college mascot and the TX community is no different. We are an extremely tight-knit and friendly community, and we all belong to the same Transferasaurus family. Being united under this mascot means even though all TXers will branch out and find their own places in the Wash U community, we all share a unique common experience and an underlying bond. We take a great deal of pride in our community and our mascot, especially during Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation events like Convocation.

4 NEW BEARINGS

Caitlin Braun

Dual Degree WUSA, College of

Arts & Sciences | Class of 2016

Austin Fiegel

Dual Degree WUSA,

School of Engineering and Applied

Science | Class of 2016

Adi Radhakrishnan

Transfer WUSA, College of Arts

& Sciences | Class of 2016

Ivy Chen

Transfer WUSA, College of Arts

& Sciences | Class of 2017

Rory King

Exchange WUSA, College of


Lydia Strensberg

Dual Degree WUSA,

School of Engineering & Applied

Science | Class of 2016

Blake Robertson

Transfer & WUSA, College of


Stephen Pianin

Exchange WUSA, College of


MEET THE WUSA TEAM


TOO COOL FOR ONE SCHOOL

THE TRANSFER EXPERIENCE

PERSPECTIVES ON TRANSFER STUDENT SUCCESS

As you begin the Washington University in St. Louis phase of your education, keep in mind you are engaging with a new campus culture. Depending on your previous college experience, you may encounter an academic culture that seems similar to the one you have known, or you may find it’s very different. Regardless, there are plenty of resources to assist and support you with your transition. Your WUSA has a wealth of information about Washington University and can aid you in getting to know your new academic home. The same is true for your academic advisor, with whom you may be working over the summer. Finally, when the semester begins, get to know your instructors. Attending office hours is an excellent way of introducing yourself and of building a rapport with an instructor. After all, academics are the main reasons you’re here.

Warren J. DavisAssistant Dean,College of Arts & Sciences

Welcome! You will quickly learn that we want to ensure your transition to Wash U is a positive experience. We understand being a transfer student presents unique challenges. Transferring can be difficult, but, with a little patience, effort, and risk-taking, most students find Wash U is an extremely welcoming place to finish your undergraduate experience. When you arrive on campus, remember to take some risks and get involved. Take a chance and try something you’ve never done before-- one of the benefits of transferring is a clean slate and all the opportunities that come with it! Ask questions. Whether it’s your WUSA, suitemate, or professor, you’ll find people are genuinely happy to help out. Reach out and introduce yourself as often as you can. Putting yourself out there just a little can have a huge payoff in the end.

As you begin to branch out, keep in touch with your transfer friends. Having a community that understands what you’re going through can be a tremendous support. Attend transfer events, meet as many of your fellow transfers as possible, and be proud of your transfer roots. Even now, some of my closest friends are still the ones I met during the first days of orientation.

Finally, be patient. Even using the tips above, transferring can still be difficult at times. Yes, you may eat some meals alone, not know what to do on the weekends, and have to deal with some of your credits not transferring, but those moments pass quickly. Transferring here has taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined, and is the best decision I have ever made. Enjoy your break, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

Alicia Salvino, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2015

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THE EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE

As I boarded the plane to embark on my first experience in Denmark, I could not have imagined the experience that was in store. I heard time and time again that a semester on exchange has the potential to be a life-changing experience; yet, I was nervous about all of the unknowns. Looking back on those months, I can confidently say my time as an exchange student was exciting, stimulating, formative, and one of the best decisions I have made in recent years.

I must admit, living in another culture presented its fair share of challenges. I lacked fluency in the native language, was unfamiliar with the cultural norms, and was surrounded with new faces. I missed my family and friends and craved the comfort of familiarity and routine. Yet, before long, the walls of my new room and friends around campus began to feel like home. I became accustomed to my new life to a degree I had never imagined possible.

It was not until I returned home to the United States that I realized the full impact of my experience abroad. As an exchange student, you gain a more nuanced understanding of another culture. Your experience is enriched by the opportunities you seek and by the people you meet. Your WUSAs, faculty, staff, fellow exchange students, and four-year Washington University peers will be with you along this journey.

I hope your exchange experience challenges you to view the world in a different light and you find your months at Wash U rewarding. When you need advice for classes, directions to downtown, or you simply cannot figure out how to work the washing machine, reach out. There are countless people here who will be happy to help.

Welcome to Wash U!

Come here ready to engage intellectually both in and outside of class. You can do this by choosing courses with discussion components and contributing to the debate, going to professors' office hours to discuss ideas generated by classes or reading, seeking out research opportunities in a lab or an archive, and attending the many talks sponsored by departments, student groups, and other organizations. Don't be intimidated by the new environment or your relatively short time at Wash U. Past exchange students have done amazing things here at Wash U that have shaped the remainder of their studies back home and you have the same opportunity!

Amy C. Suelzer, Ph.D.Director, Overseas Programs

PERSPECTIVES ON EXCHANGE STUDENT SUCCESS


Amy Lieberman, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2015


THE DUAL DEGREE EXPERIENCE

Coming to Wash U after three years at a different university was both easy and challenging. At times, I felt like a freshman again trying to figure out my place on campus, but I was comforted by the community of support with other transfer and dual degree students.

I found the dual degree community at Wash U to be a huge, supportive, and friendly family. Many of us came here with a similar fear that Wash U wouldn’t feel like home and meeting people would be hard, but the dual degree community helped to overcome that fear.

We also all came here with similar excitement to start a new journey! There are various annual functions for the dual degree students such as a holiday cookie contest and a dinner over the Thanksgiving break, so it was easy to get excited about things to do.

There are also many opportunities to meet people from other communities at Wash U! Many of my dual degree friends have joined clubs that interest them on campus such as Climbing Team, Engineers Without Borders, and Wash U Racing; not only are the clubs fun and interesting, but they connect you to more Wash U students immediately!

I know you probably think you already know how to get through college, let me offer some last quick advice: 1) Go to campus events– don’t question the experience, just try it. 2) Try the stir-fry option in the Village dining hall (it’s hard to navigate at first, but worth it). 3) Explore St. Louis because it has so much to offer and more neighborhoods than you’ll have time to visit!

You are not new to college, but remember you are new to the vibrant college culture that is Washington University in St. Louis. Engage yourself early and often. Instantly participate with your peers, taking advantage of the collaborative environment in the School of Engineering & Applied Science. Benefit from the countless resources, from engineering research to community outreach to career advising. Yes, you will be challenged…but you will also be supported. Your WUSA wants to help you succeed, as does the faculty and staff. Make a habit of stopping by Engineering Student Services in Lopata Hall, room 303, when you need assistance. We’re glad you are here!

Dean Ron Laue, Ph.D.Assistant Dean, School of Engineering & Applied Science

PERSPECTIVES ON DUAL DEGREE STUDENT SUCCESS

Sarah McDowell, School of Engineering & Applied Science, Class of 2015

8 NEW BEARINGS

TRANSITIONING TO WU

Wherever you’re coming from, Wash U will have an entirely unique feel and culture compared to your previous institution. In this section, you will find a range of

perspectives from students that have transferred into Wash U.

Coming From…

A Large, Public InstitutionWhen I first transferred to Wash U, classes were suddenly much smaller, walks across campus much shorter, and the seas of people crowding the sidewalks during break times much more navigable. Additionally, I found classes at Wash U were quite a bit more demanding than my previous school, and they required I come well-prepared and ready to participate every day. I have found this extra work is well worth it as I get so much more out of my classes. These smaller settings give you a chance to engage in discussions and debates with other students, and even the professors, that will challenge your understanding of the world. The smaller classroom setting also offers a great way to start meeting other students, especially those in your major or areas of interest. I realized very quickly after arriving on campus I would run into even these few classmates or the other people I had met quite often. Coming from a large university where I rarely encountered the same person twice in a week, it was a nice feeling to recognize other students just by walking around. This has even come to be one of my favorite aspects of Wash U– the close-knit student body giving the campus a very friendly and comfortable feel.

A Non-U.S. InstitutionI have really enjoyed the experience I've had at Wash U. Transferring here is the best decision I've ever made. I've met many talented students here and have been lucky enough to make friends with them. It is very important to get involved at Wash U when you first come here without knowing anyone. I definitely recommend taking an active part in Bear Beginnings because that's the first and biggest opportunity for you to meet so many transfer students and spend some time to get to know them better. I met two of my best friends during that time! For international students, especially for those who come from non-English speaking countries, there will be many challenges around language, culture, and academic performance. Truthfully, I had a tough time getting through the first semester but everything becomes so much better in the second semester, so don't feel frustrated when you are not getting used to things here right away. It takes time and hopefully you'll love this transfer experience!

FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU 4FIRSTYEAR.WUSTL.EDU 9

A Small, Liberal Arts InstitutionThe first thing you might notice is there are a lot more people around! At my old institution, I felt like I met a majority of the student body after just one year. At Wash U, however, I am still meeting new people each and every week. You’ll notice the wealth of opportunities to do new things on campus. With five different academic divisions for undergraduates and opportunities to take classes in each one, your educational horizon becomes much wider. Wash U is a research university which means faculty members are usually involved in research in addition to teaching. (This means you may have the opportunity to get involved with research, even as an undergrad!) Teaching assistants (TAs) play a greater role in your classes and professors may have fewer office hours than at your old school. However, most professors do an excellent job of making themselves available outside of class. TAs and help sessions supplement many courses as well. I’ve found Wash U is the perfect size. I’ve had so many opportunities to participate in and pursue different interests of mine, met so many new people, and still manage to see friendly faces I recognize every day. It’s been an extremely positive experience for me.

STARTING SCHOOL “I’ve done orientation before…”

While you may have already completed orientation at your previous institution, you’ll still need to attend it here. Attending Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation will help you to meet other students at the university. First, your Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs) will be there ready to help with anything and everything to make you feel welcome. Other transfer, exchange, or dual degree students will also be there. With plenty of activities and fun ways to spend time together, orientation is the beginning of many terrific friendships.

Course RegistrationRegistration procedures vary depending on which academic division you are entering. You will be contacted by your academic advisor to register for courses over the summer. No matter which school you are in, be sure to retain syllabi and/or course information from your previous institution. This information will be important in the evaluation of transfer credit awarded at Washington University. If you have any academic questions, don’t hesitate to contact your school or department.

Move-In Day/Arrival InformationTransfer and dual degree students should plan to arrive in St. Louis on Thursday, August 20th. Arrival details for students living in Residential Life housing will be available on firstyear.wustl.edu. If you are living off-campus, your first mandatory orientation event is the Transfer & Exchange Student Welcome at 5:30PM on Thursday, August 20th. All transfer students, living both on- and off-campus must attend this event.

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ACADEMIC TIPSYou’ll quickly learn how to navigate campus and make it your own. To help you out, we’ve included a few tips that current students wanted to pass on to you.

Cornerstone, Wash U’s academic resource center, offers free peer tutoring

among other helpful resources.

If possible, take a small class your first semester. Whether you're transferring to Wash U from a large state university

or a small liberal arts college, taking a small class is a nice way to meet

other students, get to know a professor well, and become really engaged in an

interesting topic.

Take advantage of help from the TAs (teaching assistants) and study groups.

These will help you with homework and to gain a better understanding of the material

you are learning.

The Wash U courses can be quite rigorous, but make sure you’re taking time to have fun, travel, and see the surrounding area!

The courses are not really harder but, for exchange students, the system takes adjustment. There is more (consistent)

homework to do and turn in—in addition to more quizzes, projects and exams. There are much stricter guidelines on academic integrity than at some other institutions. Make sure you check with the professor

before working on assignments with others to be sure of their policy on group work.

If you have difficulty writing in English, The Writing Center (located on the first floor of the Olin Main Library) may be

able to help you. They offer one-on-one mentoring by appointment, as well as

a wide variety of workshops open to all students. “Public Speaking” and “Talking with Americans” are small group classes

that help your English skills.

Waitlists are worth the wait. A lot of students over-register, “shop” for classes in the first

week, and end up dropping a course or two. If you are on a waitlist, show up to class

the first day and talk to the professor about joining the course. That being said, be sure to have some back up courses you’d be happy

staying in just in case.

Classes start 10 minutes after the time listed on your schedule so don’t sweat it if

you have two back-to-back. There’s enough time to walk between any

two classes.


CAMPUS LIFE TIPSWe want you to have a great experience while you’re here in St. Louis. Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re engaged inside and outside of the classroom!

Explore campus. Find areas like the Law School or Holmes Lounge Carvery for

lunch, and try the East Asian Library or an empty classroom as a study space.

Get involved. It is by far the best and fastest way to meet people, and with

literally hundreds of options to choose from, there is an activity or group for everyone. Getting involved is a great

chance to meet some amazing people and form lasting friendships. The Fall Activities Fair is a good place to start!

Don't stress about everyone's obsessions with their freshmen floors. You may feel like you have missed out on something by not living the Wash U freshmen experience, but

remember to value how unique your experience is by transferring to Wash U. Students are very welcoming and will branch out of those friend groups.

Come prepared! If you plan to live in privately-managed apartments, it might help to take a look at the map in advance

and look for routes to the supermarket etc. If your apartment is unfurnished, you can

order furniture online and have it delivered on the day of your arrival. When you leave,

you can sell it again.

If you are an exchange student, keep in touch with your family and friends from your home country! You may get lonely sometimes, and they'll also miss you.

Sign up for a U-Pass, which allows you to use St. Louis’ public transit system and is free for Wash U students. You will receive an email with registration information, and it is absolutely worth the three minutes it

will take you to sign up.

12 NEW BEARINGS


HOUSING OPTIONSOn-campus and Off-campus residences are available for transfer and exchange students. Washington University provides resources and services to assist students in finding housing.

1 Residential Life HousingYour living options may include upperclass housing on the South 40 and on the North Side (Village/Lopata and University-owned on- and off-campus apartments). For more information, visit reslife.wustl.edu. You can also call Residential Life Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM CST at 314.935.5050 or toll free 1.800.243.1853 or email at [email protected] anytime you have questions.

2 Privately-Managed Housing (Quadrangle)You may also choose to live in off-campus housing that is not owned or managed by Residential Life. If you decide to live off-campus in non-Residential Life housing, check out the off-campus housing website, offcampushousing.wustl.edu. You will find information for both University-owned and non-university-owned housing. Many apartments are within a few minutes’ walk to the Danforth (main) campus. For more detailed information, contact the Apartment Referral Service (ARS) at 314.935.5092, email them at [email protected], or contact Quadrangle Housing Co. at 314.935.9511 or [email protected]

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSCirc: The Campus Circulator (or "Circ") makes a continuous loop around main campus and is free for all students to ride. Using the Wash U smartphone app, students can track the Circ location and schedule in real time.

Enterprise CarShare: The Enterprise CarShare program allows students to rent a car by the hour. These cars are available at various locations across the Washington University campuses and can be reserved online through the CarShare website. Students must apply for membership to the CarShare program. More information on CarShare for Wash U can be found at at parking.wustl.edu.

Metro/U-Pass: Washington University students can register to get a free U-Pass through transportation services which will allow you to use the St. Louis bus and metro systems. Passes are available per semester and the summer; registration information will be emailed before the start of the semester.

Taxi: Transportation by taxi is another option for travel around St. Louis, particularly for travel to and from Lambert Airport. Two local cab companies are County Cab 314.991.5300 and LaClede Cab 314.652.3456.

Forest Park"The best thing about St. Louis is Forest Park. It is a great place to walk, bike, or run and it sits right on the edge of campus. Forest Park also provides students with access to many great attractions. During the year, there are concerts, hot air balloon races, and ice skating. You can spend the day visiting the art museum, history museum, science center, or the zoo. Best of all, admission to many of these places is free!"

The Gateway Arch"The St. Louis Arch is not only the iconic building found in nearly every reference to St. Louis but it also represents the Gateway to the West. Travel up to the top for a beautiful view of the Cardinal's Busch Stadium."

Sports"Attending sporting events are always fun because they instilled in me a sense of St. Louis pride. It’s nice to be alongside other locals and experience the fun and excitement of watching a sports game!"

The Loop"The Loop offers great places to get a bite to eat, but take time to explore further. You might find a great place to study or the location where your favorite band is playing in two weeks."

Ted Drewes"One of the first questions a student will be asked upon arriving at Wash U is whether you’ve had Ted Drewes frozen custard (similar to ice cream)yet. This delicious treat is a St. Louis classic! No one can go too long at Wash U without having Ted Drewes!"

City Museum"I love the City Museum because it gives me the chance to feel like a little kid again! It’s really fun and the interactive nature of the Museum makes it a great way to relax and have a good time with friends!"

LIFE OFF CAMPUS

Exploring St. Louis is a great way to get outside of the campus bubble. You’ll find there are a lot of fun things to do in the city with new friends. Your WUSAs have

provided a few of their favorites below.

14 NEW BEARINGS

CAITLIN

RORY

ADI

STEPHEN

BLAKE

IVY

WEEKEND TRIPS

ChicagoChicago is a four-to-five-hour drive from St. Louis and a straight shot via Amtrak trains or MegaBus, making it ideal for a weekend trip if you’re missing that big-city feel or want to take a break from Wash U’s campus. Take a drive for deep-dish pizza, an improv performance at The Second City, and a show at Millennium Park.

Lake of the OzarksYou can rent a cabin for a weekend or drive up for a day trip—Lake of the Ozarks features two state parks and opportunities to play golf, mountain bike, fish, scuba-dive, and more. It’s only about three hours from St. Louis if you want to have a weekend in the outdoors.

MemphisFour hours from St. Louis by car, Memphis is similar to our city in its claim to be the home of BBQ and blues. Do a little compare and contrast when you have a free weekend!

NashvilleAnother four-to-five-hour drive, this one to the southeast, will take you to Nashville. It’s called Music City for a reason—tons of local and national artists play in Nashville every week—but besides that the city offers both a college-town and Southern-city atmosphere, including great restaurants and lively streets to wander down.

The Outing ClubThe Outing Club of Washington University (outing.wustl.edu) leads day trips and weekend trips to parks, mountains, rivers, and state and national scenic landmarks. Like them on Facebook and get on their mailing list to find out about new trips and sign up for equipment rentals.


Living in St. Louis, you have an opportunity to be a weekend drive away from fun adventures in different U.S. cities. We’ve listed a few below for you to check out.


This book was created by:

The First Year CenterCampus Box 1136

One Brookings DriveSt. Louis, MO 63130-4899

firstyear.wustl.edu I 314.935.5040

Documents

New Bearings 2015