Joshua Alban

What advice would you give to new transfer students coming to CSUSB?

My advice to new transfer students coming to CSUSB is to utilize the resources that are available to them These resources can include your Advisor, Professors, Tutoring, the Career Center, CSUSB’s Social Media accounts, and especially Handshake. There a multitude of abundant resources that are just waiting to be tapped into, all it takes is a little bit or researching, reaching out for assistance, and checking your student email occasionally. These resources have helped me integrate into the amazing success and culture of CSUSB. Overall, I am so grateful for the many opportunities.

Why are you proud to be a transfer student? Provide highlights of your college career so far.

I am proud to be a transfer student because not only could I afford to attain a degree while paying for my own tuition, but I also know that I bring a unique experience and perspective to other students, organizations, and classes alike. I know that my experience is pertinent in aiding CSUSB with other transfer student affairs.

What was the most challenging part of being a transfer student? How did you overcome it?

The most challenging aspect of being a transfer student is realizing that CSUSB is a much bigger institution and is harder to get ahold of people, whether it is due to long waiting times or figuring out who to even talk to in the first place. I overcame this by deciding that I was going to find what I needed one way or another! I researched, became familiar with the website and its resources, and called or emailed people to figure out who I needed to be in contact with.

What were your reasons for transferring? Have you achieved your objectives?

My reasons for transferring are mainly due to some key factors: my familiarity with San Bernardino, the cost, the major I wanted, and the diverse/inclusive culture that CSUSB has. I would say that I achieved my objectives in transferring successfully. I know that there is a lot more to experience and do on campus (in-person or virtual), so that is what I am excited about!

How has CSUSB helped you attain your academic and personal goals as a transfer student?

CSUSB has helped me attain my academic and personal goals as a transfer student by providing an abundance of resources that I can utilize. I constantly check the Career Center for events and use Handshake to apply to Internships or look for potential jobs. CSUSB helps me feel fulfilled in both my academic and personal goals by providing unique classes that aid in me in gaining a better world view along with some amazing instructors who want to get to know who I am.

What is the best part of being a transfer student? What makes transfer students special?

The best part about being a transfer student is that everything is new! I think that there is so much to explore and a lot of opportunities to be made the best use of. What makes transfer students special is the unique backgrounds and experiences they bring from their own institutions. I think that every transfer student has some sort of new perspective that could help CSUSB, other transfer students, or even the current students who did not transfer.