UNLV welcomed more than 33,000 students to campus this fall, and each one has a different journey. Some are first-year students navigating the anxious beginnings of college life, some are non-traditional students juggling life and academic responsibilities, and others sit somewhere in between.

For transfer students, coming to UNLV combines the excitement of a new environment with the experience they gained acquiring prior college credits. Some may be continuing with a major they started elsewhere, while others are taking a new direction entirely.

UNLV offers resources for individual transfer students to navigate the change to a new place and find how they belong on campus.

“UNLV offered not only academic excellence but also direct access to real-world industry exposure, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences,” said Rika Bradley, a transfer student in the Harrah College of Hospitality. “The combination of strong faculty support, industry partnerships, and campus engagement made UNLV the ideal place to complete my degree and prepare for long-term career growth.”

For some students, like Emily Orton, transferring to UNLV was a much more personal decision. 

“I decided to go to UNLV because it was relatively familiar to me. I grew up in Utah, and my family would frequently make trips to Vegas, so it was leaving home, but with training wheels," she said.

Orton stated that the resources on campus were what made such a positive impact in her transition, particularly her professors.

“My favorite on-campus resource is my professors. Having the professor in your corner is great because you show up, ask questions, and attend office hours, which relieves anxiety and puts a true face and personality to the person who is giving you grades.”

Transfer students are a vital part of UNLV’s institutional culture, said Georgiana Jule, assistant director for transfer affairs. “We understand that these students do not need an introduction to college life, but a clear map to navigate the UNLV system,” she said. “We simplify the process by partnering with transfer students to ensure that their hard-earned credits pave the shortest path towards degree completion. No matter where a student is starting from, our team is here to help them cross the finish line.”

Since transferring to UNLV, senior Mckinzie Benally tapped into services and University Libraries and joined Tau Sigma National Honor Society and Rebels R.I.S.E., a program for second-year students to find meaningful opportunities at UNLV. 

“This collection of organizations and programs has boosted my involvement, shaped my success, and deepened my pride in being a UNLV Rebel,” she said.

Tau Sigma is a national honor society for transfer students. 

“I founded the UNLV chapter of Tau Sigma National Honor Society because I know firsthand what it feels like to be a transfer student seeking a sense of community and access to the resources needed to succeed,” said Daenne Dolce, founding advisor of UNLV’s chapter.