Gabriella Caterino '24 transferred to UNH for her junior year and immediately felt welcome in the Paul College community.
Berwick, Maine
Business Administration: International Business & Economics
Transferred to UNH junior year, studied abroad in Italy
I started college as a marine biology major in Florida. But when I realized it wasn't the right fit, I decided to follow my passion for languages and travel. UNH's International Business program caught my eye – and I'm so glad it did! UNH's program perfectly blends my interests in travel, languages, and even real estate.
Transferring to UNH was a breeze. The Paul College community welcomed me with open arms. I was worried about fitting in as a junior transfer, but those fears quickly melted away. The Transfer FIRE program helped me adjust, make friends, and learn about campus resources. Plus, the professors here are incredibly understanding and supportive.
Cost was definitely a factor in my decision to attend UNH, and I've found it offers great value for the investment. Here's why:
- Quality Education at a Reasonable Price: UNH provides top-notch business education without the hefty price tag of some private universities.
- Scholarship Opportunities: The UNH Abroad office helped me find scholarships for my study abroad experience in Italy. They have resources to make international experiences more affordable.
- In-State Tuition Advantage: As a Maine resident, being close to home meant I could take advantage of regional tuition rates, making UNH an economical choice.
- Flexible course schedule: UNH's flexible schedule allows me to work full-time while studying. This has been crucial in managing my educational costs. If you're looking to pay off tuition while in school, working full-time is challenging but possible at UNH. After the first couple of months, you get into a groove. It's been so helpful financially, and I'm on track to graduate with minimal debt.
- Return on Investment: The hands-on experiences, career preparation, and global perspectives I'm gaining at Paul College are setting me up for success after graduation.
The UNH Advantage: More Than Just a Degree
At UNH, you're not just another face in the crowd. Despite being a big school, the Paul College creates an intimate learning environment that feels like home. I love Paul – not only because it is beautiful, but because it's such a feeling of like home and like family. And everyone here wants to support you. Professors know you by name and really want you to succeed.
But UNH doesn't just nurture you within its walls—it prepares you for the world beyond. From resume reviews to interview practice, the career services at Paul College set you up for success after graduation. Your classes are meant to push you, but not so hard that like you feel like you're failing.
My Advice to Future Wildcats: Embrace Change and Find Your Home
As someone who's been through major changes in my college journey, I can't stress this enough: don't be afraid to switch paths if something isn't clicking.
Switching majors is not as scary as it seems. UNH makes it easy to explore different majors and find what truly ignites your passion.
And for those worried about being too close to home – I used to think, "There's no way I'm going here." But my perspective completely changed once I arrived.
When you're here, it's a whole different life. You're not going to go home every weekend and you're not going to see your parents all this time. UNH strikes the perfect balance—you get your independence while still being close enough for those special moments. I'm the oldest of four, so I used to miss a lot. But now I can actually show up for all my siblings basketball games and cheer competitions.
So come with an open mind, and you might just find your perfect home away from home at UNH.
