What It’s Like to Transfer to USM
July 16, 2026
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by Emma Comparato
That’s what I wrote in my journal last October, just one month into my first semester at the University of Southern Maine.
It’s often said that your college years are the best years of your life, but I didn’t feel that way until I transferred to USM. Now, in the summer before my senior year, my mental health has never been better. Not to mention, I’m making lifelong friends and growing a network for my career.
Why I transferred colleges
During my first two years at a different school, I really struggled to find my place. I felt unhappy and uncomfortable, and frequently packed my bags to travel home on weekends. It was not the college experience I had hoped for.
I felt that way during my first year, but stuck it out for a second year to give the school a chance. When I still felt out of place, I knew it was time to transfer. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and this helped me discover what I did and didn’t want in college.
What is it really like to transfer to USM?
I narrowed my search for a new school down to two Maine schools, but decided USM was the best fit when I realized its location in southern Maine. This ended up being my perfect school because of how local it is, the affordability for me, and the connections I have to alumni and current students. Admitted Students Day was the deciding factor for me. I met a girl there who has since become a close friend. Together, we toured the Portland campus, and I already felt at home! Along with the other admitted students, I discovered who my professors would be. My family came along to support me and learn more about USM, too. There was time for us to explore the campus on our own in between lunch and PINGO: a longstanding USM tradition that puts a prize-winning spin on classic bingo. I left the day feeling relieved about my decision to transfer — I knew it was exactly what I needed.
Transferring was simple, and everyone who helped me along the way was friendly and welcoming. As a student going into my third year, I was afraid of what it would be like academically. I began the process by meeting my USM academic advisors to evaluate all of my credits. I had to communicate which classes I’d already taken to make sure I wouldn’t have to retake them, and eventually I reached an agreement with both schools on transfer credit — it was all much easier than I had anticipated.
I quickly discovered resources to navigate my studies and future career paths. The Career Exploration Internship Program within USM’s Career Hub helped me secure an internship for this summer and fall. From in-class networking sessions to cover letter formatting, they provided the best mentorship throughout this process.
Finding my people and my place
It’s truly the people at USM who bring me the most joy. At orientation last summer, a DIY Aroma Joe’s booth popped up on the Gorham Campus. Of course, I went. I love Aromas, especially if it’s free! This one activity brought me to two wonderful girls who are now some of my best friends. We continued getting to know each other through our love of Aroma Joe’s every day before class as we drove into Portland that fall semester. We have since grown super close, ordering late-night Taco Bell, going on walks to Back Cove, and having girl chats in the dorm.
Academically, I found a passion for marketing here at USM. The School of Business is always hosting interesting events, and I’ve found faculty are happy to meet one-on-one to point out intentional courses that support your degree. I even landed the perfect on-campus work-study job on the USM Multimedia Team. I met other working students, now friends, who share the same passions. We’ve built a community and online presence for incoming students, just like we once were. It’s been one of the best parts of my time here.
One of my proudest moments was joining the Women in Business Club board. I currently serve as our Head of Engagement. We focused on growing our club during the spring semester, and it makes me so happy to see others excited to join. This group of amazing ladies has made me feel confident, supported, and ambitious. I didn’t consider myself much of a networker before this club, but now I connect with other students and professionals quite easily. Plus, my fear of public speaking is slowly diminishing. I can’t wait to get back to meetings this fall and see how much more we grow!
A tip for transfer students
There’s rarely a time I’m not busy at USM. It was really easy to get involved with clubs and organizations because of Campus Groups — the app shows every event hosted on and off campus, like sports games, workout classes, weekend excursions out of state, and so much more!
Everything is affordable and sometimes even free. You just have to be a student at USM. I highly recommend downloading the Campus Groups app to get out, have fun, and find your community.
