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Transferring to another college is an opportunity to find a school that better aligns with your goals, interests and plans for the future. At the University of Illinois Springfield, students can build on their previous college experience while discovering new opportunities and finding a sense of belonging.
For students Alex Collins, Robin Messerschmidt and Anna Lance, transferring to UIS opened new doors. They found new ways to grow in their studies, connect with others and prepare for their future careers.
Why they transferred
Each student had different reasons for choosing UIS. For all three, finding the right academic and campus environment helped shape their decision.
Collins transferred to UIS during their junior year of college. They wanted a smaller campus closer to home. They appreciated UIS’s support for the LGBTQ+ community. After earning their undergraduate degree, they continued at UIS as a graduate student in human services with a concentration in social service administration.
Messerschmidt, a Springfield native studying social work, transferred because she felt UIS offered programs that aligned with her academic goals. She describes the campus as “small” and “quaint.”
Lance transferred to UIS after earning her Associate of Arts degree at Black Hawk Community College and attending Knox College. She chose UIS because it offered a minor in criminology and criminal justice, which matched her interests in law enforcement and social services. She also enjoyed the free popcorn served twice a day at Brookens Library.
How was the transition?
A smooth transfer process can make starting at a new university easier. All three students said helpful people and resources made their transition to UIS easier.
Collins credits their admissions counselor with keeping them on track and answering their questions throughout the transfer process.
Messerschmidt describes the process as straightforward. She worked with her counselor at Southeastern Illinois College to review her credits. She also attended an open house and met with UIS staff members over Zoom and email to get answers to her questions.
Lance also found the transfer process manageable. She said that the people she met along the way were helpful and supportive.
Students interested in transferring to UIS can learn more about transfer admission requirements and credit evaluation. They can also contact the UIS Office of Admission for help with applying and transferring credits.
Finding a community
Adjusting to a new campus involves more than figuring out classes and credits. Making friends, exploring interests and finding places to feel at home can help students connect to the UIS community.
Collins found UIS welcoming. They said the staff encouraged them to explore their interests and reach their potential.
Messerschmidt says clubs and events help her stay active. Living on campus has also helped her adjust to university life.
Lance has made campus involvement a central part of her UIS experience. She participates in the Queer Student Alliance, Model Illinois Government and Student Government Association. She also serves as diversity coordinator for the Student Activities Committee and works as a student employee in the Office of Engaged Learning.
Working in the Office of Engaged Learning has had the biggest impact on her experience.
“Everyone in the office is so kind and accepting. I get to work on many different projects and gained friendships as well as opportunities,” Lance said.
Through the office, Lance volunteered with the Illinois Innocence Project to learn more about its work. She also got an internship with the Springfield Police Department, an opportunity she had not found at her previous college.
“It has been such an informative and engaging experience, and I truly could not ask for a better internship,” Lance said.
These experiences show how students can use what they learn in class, gain hands-on experience and explore career options through the UIS Office of Engaged Learning.
The students also recognize that finding a community takes time. Collins advises transfer students to remember that others can relate to their experiences and are ready to help.
Messerschmidt encourages students to ask questions and reach out when they need support.
Lance recommends exploring Springfield along with the UIS campus.
Students can find ways to meet people and get involved through Student Life.
Take the next step toward your goals
Choosing where to finish your degree is an important decision. For Collins, Messerschmidt and Lance, UIS gave them the chance to explore their interests, build relationships and gain experiences that support their future goals.
Students thinking about transferring can start by learning how their previous college credits may count toward a UIS degree and finding a program that fits their plans.
UIS helps transfer students take their next steps with a range of available resources on the Transfer Applicants page. These include a transfer handbook, information about transfer admission requirements and credit evaluation and Transferology, a tool that helps students see how their previous credits may transfer to UIS.
Students can also connect with the UIS Office of Admission for help with questions about applying and transferring credits.
Transferring to a new university means starting a new chapter, but it doesn't mean starting over. At UIS, students can build on what they've already learned, find new opportunities, connect with others and take the next step toward their goals.
