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, resume 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.
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.
- 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.
- Office of Student Success: Central hub for advising, tutoring, peer support, and graduation planning.
- Undergraduate Advising Center: Advising for undeclared, pre-health, and first-year students.
- The Writing Center: Tutoring to strengthen writing, presentation, and public speaking.
- TRiO Student Support Services: Tutoring, mentoring, and resources for eligible first-gen and Pell students.
- Four Bear Program: Guidance on how you can graduate in 4 years
- Math Tutoring: Offers free or low-cost academic support in quantitative courses to help students who lack strong math preparation in high school.
- Student Advocacy Resource Center: Confidential support for students facing harassment, discrimination, etc.
- Office of Disability Equity (ODE): Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
- Dean of Students Office: Provides crisis response, referrals, and conduct support.
- ASUM: Student government advocating and providing campus services.
- 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.
- Griz Hub: Central hub for student events, clubs, organizations, and intramural teams.
- Housing and Dining Services: On-campus housing and meal plans with accommodations.
- Living Communities: Residence halls built around shared interests and lived experiences.
- The Branch Center: Intercultural hub for identity groups, programs, and connection.
- Campus Recreation: Fitness, outdoor, and wellness activities for all students.
- Curry Health Services: Primary health care and wellness services for UM students. Includes general medicine, pharmacy, dental, counseling, and other wellness services.
- 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.
- Financial Aid & Scholarships Office: Helps students navigate FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Montana 10: Scholarship program offering academic, financial, & social support.
- Financial Education Program (FEP): Offers workshops and one-on-one guidance on FAFSA, budgeting, and financial planning to help Pell-eligible and first-generation students build financial literacy.
- Alumni Association: Offers career advising, networking, and Handshake access to recent grads.
- First2Finish (UM Law School): Supports first-generation law students with mentorship/community.
- Orientation and New Student Success: Programs to help new students transition and connect.
Explore Student Life & Clubs
Want to dive deeper into UM’s student communities? Here’s where to go next—GrizHub, ASUM, WelcomeFeast, or your department.
Organizations & Resources
The organizations listed below are not affiliated with the University of Montana and are provided for informational purposes only.
- Academic and Financial Support
- Montana University System Scholarships (Award Montana): administers need- and merit-based state scholarships and grants covering up to full tuition—key support for Pell-eligible students.
- MUS System Transfer Tools: All the help you need navigating statewide credit transfers
- Clearwater Credit Union: provides free financial education (budgeting, credit, and student financing) to enhance financial literacy among Pell-eligible students.
- TRAILS: provides library access to support academic transition
- Career Support:
- Missoula Job Service: a local employment hub providing recruitment, interview facilities, and HR guidance—ideal for first-gen students seeking work opportunities.
- Missoula Works: connects individuals facing employment barriers with temporary and permanent jobs—great for Pell-eligible students building work experience.
- Montana Department of Labor & Industry: offers comprehensive labor market insights and workforce services, helping students explore in-state career opportunities.
- Express Employment Professionals – Missoula: offers free online professional training (software, safety) and certifications via ExpressLearn, Workplace Pro, and Job Genius.
- Education and Social Support
- The Lifelong Learning Center: offers certifications in trades and technical fields—an essential resource for quick entry job training.
- Girl Get After It: make new friends, try new things and connect with like-minded women in Missoula, Montana.
- Missoula Women’s Business Network: fosters a supportive community where women connect, learn, and access resources to enhance their personal and professional growth.
- Missoula Young Professionals: provides civic involvement opportunities designed to engage the next generation of leaders through networking and volunteer events that aid in professional and personal development.
- National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS): is a national association focused entirely on transfer student success, offering research, training, and advocacy.
- Aspen Transfer Incentive: provides curated community resources—including scholarships, orientation strategies, peer insights—for transfer students
- Coalition of College Access: provides a consolidated suite of articles and videos for navigating credit transfer, admissions, and campus adjustment.
- WICHE Interstate Passport: is a national framework easing general education transfers across institutions.
“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:
