Who are Transfer Students?
True or False: Most transfer students enter York directly from high school.
False — most begin their studies after completing some postsecondary education.
True or False: Providing strong support to transfer students can enhance a university’s reputation.
True
At York University in Fall 2025, most transfer students came from which type of institution?
Ontario CAAT (Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology)
Transfer students often bring strong ________ skills from their previous studies.
Academic
Name one academic challenge that transfer students commonly face.
Credit transfer difficulties, navigating new university systems, or experiencing transfer shock.
Give 2-3 common reasons why transfer students decide to switch from one institution to another.
Pursuing higher degrees and stronger career opportunities
Seeking a better academic, social, or geographic fit
Choosing an affordable starting point with plans to transfer later
Receiving encouragement from parents to continue education and inspire family members
These are the two key areas at York that are strengthened by transfer students.
Enrollment and Retention
What type of degree do transfer students most commonly pursue at York University?
Bachelor of Arts
True or False: Transfer students are often more motivated and goal-oriented.
True
What social challenges do transfer students often face at York University?
They may experience invisibility within the campus culture, struggle with belonging gaps between peer groups, and face commuting or work barriers that limit participation in campus life.
From Ontario college pathways, other Canadian universities, international institutions, and internal transfers within York.
What are three major reasons why transfer students would matter at York University?
Equity & Access
Classroom Enrichment
Institutional Success
In Fall 2025, what was the most common major transfer students entered at York University?
Psychology
Name two personal strengths that transfer students commonly contribute.
Resilience
Maturity
Prior academic experience
Adaptability
Time Management
Why do transfer students often have a shorter window to get involved on campus?
They’re coming in with less time left before graduation.
What are 3 characteristics that reflect the common demographics of transfer students?
They are often first-generation and mature students who commute while balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, and many come from low-income and equity-deserving backgrounds.
What are three goals that Transfer Students would contribute to at York University? (Think about retaining them, inclusion, etc.)
Access, retention, and student success
What are the top three Ontario cities that transfer students come from?
Toronto
Brampton
Mississauga
Why might transfer students have stronger time-management skills than direct-entry students?
Many juggle work, family responsibilities, more goal oriented or have already navigated postsecondary life.
What are two common emotional challenges for transfer students?
Imposter syndrome, stress and anxiety, or marginalization, isolation.
What key factor differentiates transfer students from direct-entry students, and why is this important for the support they receive?
Transfer students have already completed some postsecondary education before coming to York, which means they arrive with prior knowledge, credits, and life experience. This matters because their needs differ, support must focus on credit transfer, integration, and accelerated engagement, rather than first-time university adjustment.
Give 2 qualities that would make transfer students valuable contributors in the classroom.
Maturity, work experience, applied knowledge
What are the top three colleges that transfer students most commonly come from at York University?
Seneca
Humber
George Brown College
How does transfer students’ prior experience benefit classroom learning?
They enrich discussions with diverse perspectives and applied knowledge.
Name one barrier at the institutional level that transfer students often face.
Credit transfer issues or standard orientation/services not tailored to transfers.