My journey as a University of Minnesota transfer student

Every student's path to the University of Minnesota is a bit different, especially for those who started that journey at a different school. 

Emily Elletson transferred to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities’ Minnesota Carlson from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She opened up about her personal journey as a transfer student — what led her to make the switch, how she found belonging, what she’s learned along the way, and how her experience at Minnesota Carlson has shaped her.

When did you start thinking about transferring?

I was sitting in a lecture hall at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, surrounded by hundreds of students, feeling completely invisible. The campus was filled with people, but I was just another number in a sea of faces.

When I was a senior in high school, I applied to 11 colleges, most of them Big Ten schools. I knew what I wanted: to study sports marketing at a big sports school, in the Midwest, with a strong sense of community. Nebraska checked those boxes. 

I was excited to leave my hometown in Minnesota to experience something new, to be somewhere I didn’t know anyone. During my first month there, I kept wondering, is this really what college is supposed to feel like? I didn’t feel at home. I’d sit through lectures, walk across campus, and realize I didn’t have a place that felt like mine. I missed the familiarity of Stillwater, Minnesota — not just my family and friends, but the sense of belonging that came with it. When I came home for fall break, I felt the difference instantly. It wasn’t just nostalgia; it was clarity.

How did you make the decision to transfer?

It wasn’t a decision that came easily. Admitting I wanted to leave meant admitting that I had made the wrong choice, maybe the first big mistake of my adult life. I’d worked so hard to get there, told everyone how excited I was, and now I wasn’t happy. I remember sitting in my dorm room one night after another long day of classes, feeling drained and out of place. That moment — realizing it wasn’t about college, but about fit—changed everything.

As I started thinking about my future, I realized I wanted to plant roots in Minneapolis. I wanted to be close to the Fortune 500 companies I’d grown up hearing about: 3M, Target, General Mills, Best Buy — and I knew Carlson had strong ties to those networks. I wanted a business school that could open doors, where I could gain real-world experience and connect with professionals who inspired me. The more I researched Minnesota Carlson, the more I could see myself there.

How did transferring impact your mindset as a student?

When I got to Minnesota, I was nervous. What if I never caught up? I knew I had only three years to build my network, gain experience, and secure internships. It was intimidating. But I quickly realized that a shorter timeline didn’t mean fewer opportunities — it just meant I had to be intentional. 

What helped you adjust to being a student at Minnesota Carlson?

Even with that preparation, my first semester as a transfer student wasn’t easy. I was anxious about who I’d live with and whether I’d find people I connected with. I spent hours scrolling through the University of Minnesota’s Facebook page, where students posted about needing an extra roommate. Thankfully, I found a group of girls who welcomed me with open arms. From the first day, they were kind, genuine, and made me feel like I belonged. Having a solid living situation made all the difference — it gave me stability and confidence when everything else felt new. They showed me around campus, helped me figure out the bus system, and went with me to fun events. They quickly became my people, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

What’s your advice to those considering transferring?

It’s okay to realize that your first choice wasn’t your forever fit. Choosing to start somewhere new isn’t a failure — it’s self-awareness.

For me, transferring wasn’t just about switching schools — it was about realigning my life with who I wanted to become. It was scary, uncertain, and messy at times. But it also gave me confidence, clarity, and a sense of purpose I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Transferring taught me that sometimes, the best decision you can make for your future is to have the courage to change your path.