Christopher Newport University’s small liberal campus allows for a variety of flexibility, which some students prefer. In recent years, the amount of students who have transferred to our university has increased, pushing for the overall expansion of our campus.
Sam Atkins is a recent transfer student from Old Dominion University commencing her junior year. After only a few fast paced, windy hours, it was obvious that there was something missing in Atkins’s connection with the campus.
Atkins found transferring to CNU was for educational reasons. Her interest in dental school and knowledge of our campus’ pre-med program truly made a difference for her when choosing schools in the area.
Atkins believes that compared to ODU, CNU is “missing an essential aspect which could change everything for us commuters.”
Although she is aware of the activities for transfers and commuters, which take place on campus from time-to-time, she still struggles to truly engage with others the way on-campus residents do.
Her belief is that if our campus were larger in student population and physical campus size, it would be easier to meet others as a commuter.
Atkins has lived in the residence halls. She considers them big and spacious but preferred to commute from her home in Yorktown.
Although CNU’s class sizes and attention from professors is most favorable to her, she believes that “all there needs to be is a fine connection between those living on campus and those making CNU their home.” However, Atkins believes that Changing Tides, an orientation geared towards transfer students each semester, made the transition easier for her.
Atkins and her core group of friends met at Changing Tides orientation they attended together. Her friends have had to face the ups and downs of adjusting to our school culture as well.
According to sophomores Linda Brown and Judy Lindberg (names have been changed), “moving on campus is the only way one can truly become family here.” All three students agree that their grades improved with their transition as they worked harder in their new classes.
Although the girls have different living situations, they feel that “not only is it necessary to have an additional get together during the year, but it would totally make the transition so much easier.” 
