Does it feel like you’ve just walked into a dream? Coming from out of town into a whole new area with wild new expectations, seeing totally new faces in a completely new setting?

I’m here to tell you, as a transfer student myself, you could not have come to a better place.

Southern Methodist University is not your everyday run-of-the-mill University where people feed you lip service in hopes of gaining the almighty dollar from you and your family in hopes of bettering the football program.

This place is the real deal. Located right in the middle of Dallas, one of the fastest growing cities in America.

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Hilltop.

When I came here one year ago, I was not quite sure what I had gotten myself into. This is unlike any school I have ever been to. The people who you will meet in your time here are genuinely concerned for your well-being. Academic advisors really want to know where your passions lie and what they can do to get you into the classes you want to be in.

Professors want to know what they can do to make your experience better, because they all realize they’re here for you, not just a paycheck.

In just a little over two semesters, I have made countless friends and met people in the profession I am choosing to enter that I simply never would have had the chance to meet had I gone anywhere else.

There is no doubt coming to a new school, especially as a transfer, can be a mind-boggling experience since most schools in the area are nowhere near as large as this campus, but in a matter of hours you’ll be able to point out where every class of yours is without a second thought.

Of course there is the fear of the price tag which comes with a private school, but there are so many ways to alleviate that pain during your time here in Dallas. Academic advisors are not to be feared, and will do everything within their power to make sure you can have a full experience for the next few years you’re on campus.

The letter of acceptance I received in May of 2012 was one of the happiest moments of my life, and before I even had my official visit during AARO last year I knew without a doubt that SMU was the place I wanted to earn my diploma.

If this is the place where you have decided to spend the remaining time getting your education you have chosen wisely. And I hope you find this campus as incredibly helpful as I have. Pony Up.

Costa is a senior majoring in journalism.