About 10 percent of the student population at Sonoma State University is made of transfer students.

Transfer students are encouraged to get involved by going to social events specifically aimed at them and often hosted on and off campus, such as the transfer social.

Some of these events are created for specific transfer students, from events for transfers with children to events for non-traditional aged students, with the goal of connecting them to others alike. 

Transfer students can also take advantage of peer advising and mentorship aside from attending the different events available to them.

Alvin Nguyen, director for the transfer and transition program, planned and held a transfer social in the student center this past Wednesday.

“We try to get students aware of the different things they can take advantage of when they come for orientation and then again during the semester,” said Nguyen. “We have a lot of transfer student mentors make an appearance at orientation and at events like these to show transfer students that there is always someone there they can talk to or ask questions if they need any help.”

Several of the students at the transfer social said that the reason why they chose to attend SSU was because of its beautiful campus and how nice everyone was to them during their visit. 

“I think the dorms are super nice and the Green Music Center is also really beautiful,” said Evann Essert, a junior who transferred to Sonoma from Monterey. “I loved the small town feel of Rohnert Park, and thought the campus was stunning.” 

Michael Widling, a junior new transfer, moved from the Santa Barbara area and said he decided to continue his education at Sonoma State because he was ready for a change of pace. He found that not only was the campus beautiful, but the educators were also really good as well.

Max Porter, a senior transfer student who spent some time furthering his education in Montana decided to come home and finish his education at Sonoma State. 

“Being able to go to school so close to home and save money while living at home was a huge factor as to why I chose to come here versus going elsewhere,” said Porter.