Making the Move: Yesha's Transfer Student Experience

From navigating transfer credits to helping other students find their footing, Yesha shares what she learned while moving from a college diploma to a degree at York.

Yesha Patel is a fourth-year biomedical science student who transferred from a college diploma to a degree program at York University. She is also a transfer student success lead with the Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students (ACMAPS). We spoke with her about making the transition to university and how she is now helping other transfer students at York.

Finding a pathway from college to university

Patel chose York because it offered pathways that allowed students to move from an advanced college diploma to a university degree. Even with that pathway available, starting somewhere new was nerve-wracking.

“It felt really overwhelming, especially as an international student,” she says. “You’re starting from scratch. Plus, I transferred in the middle of a semester, so everybody had friends, but I was new. But York had a bridging pathway where I could transfer from a biotechnology diploma to a biomedical science degree.”

Getting help with transfer credits

One of Patel's biggest early challenges was understanding the transfer credit process. After connecting with a transfer credit assessor, she was able to get answers to her questions and understand what she needed to do.

“She guided me through all of it, and she explained the entire process to me,” Patel says. “It was the summer of 2022, so she was not working on campus, and most of the conversations were via email, but she was really great at getting back to me, replying to any confusion. Any doubts that I had, she was always there.”

Turning personal experience into student support

Patel now works as a transfer student success lead, a new Work/Study position created as ACMAPS expanded its support and resources for transfer students.

“For the past eight months, we’ve researched what is needed for transfer students and have incorporated that into a resource guide,” she says.

Patel also helps answer questions at the front desk of the ACMAPS office.

“I hope soon that people know that ACMAPS is a place where transfer students can go if they have questions or concerns!”

Creating a one-stop resource for transfer students

Of the projects she has worked on, Patel is most proud of helping to develop the Transfer Student Resource Guide.

“It’s like a one-stop shop for everything. Like I said before, when I first came to York, I didn’t know where to go; there are different places you have to go to for different concerns. But now everything is in the pamphlet: locations, websites, everything’s in there!”

Students can access York's transfer student resource guide (PDF) for more information.

Using her experience to help others

Supporting other students has helped Patel recognize the value of her own transfer experience.

“This position helped me realize that my own experiences matter,” says Patel. “They’re going to genuinely help someone else who's going through the same things I did. I feel like having these transfer resources is going to help students.”

Patel has also supported prospective high school students through her role as a science student ambassador and with Global Leaders of York Science.

“High school and university, they're two very different cases – everything changes. I’ve been able to share my experiences with the students and their parents and help them, too."

Yesha's advice for students transferring to York

Patel encourages transfer students to give themselves time to adjust, seek support and become involved in university life.

“I would say just don't feel overwhelmed,” says Patel. “I know that the campus is huge. You might feel like you're out of place. You might feel lost when you first come here. But if you put in effort, if you come out of your shell, if you try, there are so many resources at York to help you get through the process and settle into the university.”

She also encourages new students to explore York's clubs and student services.

“Every time you have a doubt, speak up. Talk to your professors. Go to academic advising. They're there to help you."

Finding support through ACMAPS

Patel wants transfer students to know they are welcome at ACMAPS and can ask for help with concerns both large and small.

“We have transition coaches who help you settle into places. We have peer mentors who work for you, who can address your concerns and guide you to the right place. We have staff specifically there to help you with your transition. Come and talk to us, even if you're overwhelmed with your courses, even if it's as little as that, just come in!”

Patel's experience shows that transferring to university can feel uncertain at first, but students do not have to navigate the process alone. By asking questions, using available resources and getting involved, transfer students can begin building their place in the York community.