Finding Community and Connection: Inside TCU’s Transfer Connections Space
“The Transfer Connection Space allows for a communal space for transfer students to come together. From study space and tools like whiteboards and a TV for presentations, or just a place to unwind in between classes with our couches, mini fridge, microwave and coffee, we ensure students can focus on being students.”
Adjusting to a new university can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for transfer students. That’s where TCU’s Transfer Connections Space, or TCS, comes in. Designed to support transfer students both academically and socially, the space serves as a transfer student’s home base on campus. Assistant Director of Transfer Student Success Fabby Campos , explains the TCS is introduced to new students right away, starting with the Frogs First social. Throughout the year, the TCS continues to build community through events and collaborations.
“One of our ongoing events is a Lunch and Learn in which we bring on-campus partners to the TCS in an effort to merge community and resource building, and feed our students during their presentation,” Campos says. Since the population of transfer students overlaps with a number of other populations on campus, the TCS collaborates with student organizations and other campus partners to host their events in the space .”
The impact of these efforts is felt by students who not only use the space but also take on leadership roles and get involved across campus.
“One thing about TCU that really surprised me was how many resources there are,” says biology student Gracie Haase, ’26. “There really is something for everyone.”
For many transfer students, that sense of opportunity starts in the TCS and extends into other areas of student life.
For psychology student Emma Norton, ’26, finding her place meant stepping into leadership.
“I got involved on campus with the transfer community and became a leader in that, as well as a Frog Camp facilitator,” she says. “That’s really helped me feel like I belong in the Horned Frog community.”
Other students, like entrepreneurship and marketing student Alex Peña, 28, have used the connections built through the TCS to explore a variety of organizations and programs.
“In my first semester at TCU, I got involved in all the Neeley School of Business clubs related to marketing, management and entrepreneurship,” Peña explains. “Then moving into my second semester, I got involved in Greek life. Ever since then, I've been involved in other clubs and other events, like TCU Day of Service and the Aspiring Leaders program.”Greek life. Ever since then, I've been involved in other clubs and other events, like TCU Day of ServiceAspiring Leaders Program.”
Campos said seeing students connect and grow through the space is one of the most
rewarding parts of her role.
“We often see students excited and willing to meet other transfer students at our events,” Campos says. “It allows our students to not only have the common ground of being a Horned Frog, but also that special added aspect of being a transfer student.”
Both Campos and student Transfer Guides hold office hours in the TCS throughout the week. Whether it’s helping students access resources on campus, providing supplies to make their day easier, or simply offering a welcoming and supportive presence, these office hours are designed to give transfer students the guidance and encouragement they need.
The TCS continues to be a central hub for students seeking community, resources and opportunities to get involved. For transfer students at TCU, it’s more than just a space – it’s a place to belong.
Grace Hartenstein ’26 is a double major in strategic communication and sociology from Millsboro, Delaware, and is a strategic communication writer for TCU’s Office of Admission.