New & Transfer Students Community
Welcome to our New & Transfer Student Community at the University of Montana! Whether you’re brand new to college or transferring in from another institution, this space was built to help you feel at home and start strong. Every student’s journey is different—and we’re here to help you build yours with confidence, curiosity, and connection.
From orientation and advising to career exploration and community events, we’ve gathered the tools you need to thrive at UM. This space is your go-to for resources that help you take the next step—academically, socially, and professionally.
Learn more about Experiential Learning and Career Success and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Did You Know?
You can connect with someone who will help you access career coaching and resources designed to support new and transfer students as you explore career options, prepare application materials, and navigate campus resources.
What You’ll Find Here
Explore Opportunities
- Early career exploration, internships, mentorship, and jobs designed for students just starting out.
- Opportunities that may align with your goals, values, and interests as you begin your academic journey at UM.
Connect & Get Involved
- Connections that matter — campus events, student organizations, and peer mentor programs to help you build community.
- Campus partners and programs designed to help new and transfer students feel supported and engaged.
Get Career-Ready
- Start Strong resources — guides and tips to support your transition and early success.
- Career readiness tools, résumé reviews, and mock interviews to help you prepare for opportunities early in your college career.
- LinkedIn profile support and Handshake assistance.
Be Informed
- Information and events to help you navigate campus, connect with resources, and explore career pathways from day one.
- Advice and tools to help you make the most of your first semesters at UM.
All Grizzlies are welcome to explore from every community and resource we offer.
Start Here: Key Steps and Support
Get Oriented & Apply
New Student Orientation & the Big Sky Experience – Complete the online orientation, and for first‐year students, participate in the in-person Big Sky Experience to get familiar with campus life, resources, and peers.
Transfer Admission Requirements – Review what credit you can bring in, official transcript submission, minimum GPA (2.00 for many), and how to evaluate your transfer credits. University of Montana+1
Career Readiness & Long-term Planning
Our Office: Experiential Learning & Career Success (ELCS) for Incoming Students – If available, use ELCS’s “Incoming Students” support materials to familiarize yourself with career services early. (Some resources appear for incoming students via that channel.)
Transfer Admission Requirements – Review what credit you can bring in, official transcript submission, minimum GPA (2.00 for many), and how to evaluate your transfer credits.
Complete Admitted Student Steps
Admitted Student Checklist – Once accepted, work through your personalized checklist: housing (if needed), FAFSA & financial aid, transcript submission, health forms, and disability or equity forms if applicable.
Transfer Student Transition – For new transfer students, attend the one-day transfer transition events (offered before some semesters), which cover academic expectations, campus life, financial matters, safety, policies, and community engagement.
Academic & Advising Support
Office for Student Success (OSS) – Provides academic advising, support with choosing majors, the writing center, tutoring, placement tests, and programs like Exploratory Studies.
Undergraduate Advising Center via OSS – For undeclared, non-degree, pre-nursing, pre-health, or pre-professional students to help plan your path, clarify major options, and enroll in classes that align with your goals.
Student Life, Connection & Well-Being
Student Life – Housing, dining, student organizations, living learning communities, and ways to connect with your class before you arrive (e.g. admitted students communities, apps like ZeeMee).
Office for Student Success Wellbeing Support – OSS includes wellbeing support, peer connection networks, tutoring, and other resources aimed at helping students stay balanced while adjusting to college.
“But wait! This isn’t me!”
These communities are one way to organize resources and opportunities based on common student experiences. All Grizzlies are encouraged to explore every page and resource. Our career coaches are here to support every student.
Don’t see a community that reflects your experience, interests, or goals?
We welcome your feedback. Reach out to one of our career coaches — we’re here to help you find what you need:
UM Student Organizations & Campus Resources
Explore on-campus programs and organizations that support all students through peer connection, advocacy, academic services, and inclusive environments. These University of Montana resources promote accessibility and help students thrive academically and socially, offering mentorship, accommodations, leadership opportunities, and academic support to ensure full participation in campus life.
Want to dive deeper into UM’s student communities? Here’s where to go next—GrizHub, ASUM, WelcomeFeast, or your department.
Explore Student Life & Clubs
Organizations & Resources
The organizations listed are not affiliated with the University of Montana and are provided for informational purposes only.
Local & State
National
Transferology for statewide credit transfers
Library access to support academic transition
The only national association focused entirely on transfer student success, offering research, training, and advocacy
Curated community resources—including scholarships, orientation strategies, peer insights—for transfer students
A consolidated suite of articles and videos for navigating credit transfer, admissions, and campus adjustment
National framework easing general education transfers across institution
Have suggestions to improve this space?
This space has been collaboratively developed with our UM partners and continues to evolve.
We truly appreciate your input and encourage you to share your ideas to help us enrich it.
