Zine-Making Event Supports Transfer Students at WSU Vancouver

“It’s from students, for students. You’re getting advice from people who have actually gone through it,” said fellow WSUV student Mia Northstrom.

“It was beneficial, it did help the community for transfer students,” noted WSUV student Cami Wagner.

A WSU Vancouver librarian and event organizer hosted a zine-making event, bringing together transfer students to create a collaborative resource aimed at helping current and future students navigate campus life.

The event invited current WSUV transfer students to contribute tips, advice, and personal experiences through a student-created “zine” with individual pages compiled into a booklet designed to guide and support students. The completed zine will be housed in the WSU Vancouver library archives, located in the Library Building (VLIB).

Students interested in viewing the original copy can request access through the archivist. Copies will also be available in the library’s reading room as part of the zine collection (in-library use only), with the option to make personal copies. The zine is intended to be introduced to new and prospective transfer students as a resource.

In an interview, the event organizer explained that their experience working in both community college and university settings influenced the idea, with the goal of making the transfer process smoother for students.

The primary focus of the event was to encourage connection among transfer students while easing the transition process for those who follow. The organizer added that the project was designed to create a space where students could share knowledge in a way that feels accessible and personal.

“It comes directly from current transfer students,” the organizer said, emphasizing that the content is unfiltered and reflects authentic student experiences.

For students like Mia Northstrom, a transfer student who participated in both the current and previous zine events, the experience was both reflective and meaningful.

“I love the idea behind it,” Mia said. “If you can help one person, then whatever you put there is worth it.”

Mia explained that the events allowed her to reflect on what she wished she had known when she first transferred.

When asked what she had placed in the first zine? Mia elaborated, “One of the biggest things was the parking, especially the disability parking,” she said. “It’s very hard to find and very confusing.”

She noted that navigating campus can be intimidating for new students, particularly when accessibility is unclear. Improving signage and visibility, she said, could make a significant difference for students with disabilities.

Beyond logistical challenges, Mia said that in the most recent zine event, she focused on the importance of mental health and balance, a theme she noticed among other participants as well.

“We all kind of picked mental health as our theme,” she said. “We’re realizing that we should have prioritized our mental health and not become so overwhelmed.”

Mia emphasized that the strength of the zine lies in its authenticity, bringing together perspectives from students of different backgrounds, ages, and academic stages.

She also added that simple steps such as talking to professors, getting involved on campus, and preparing ahead of time can significantly improve the transfer experience.

“Just come to campus before orientation, walk around, and get familiar,” Mia said. “It takes away a lot of the anxiety.”

While Mia noted that scheduling conflicts can make it difficult for students to attend campus events, she said initiatives like the zine-making event are valuable in fostering connection and support.

“Even if you’re not artistic, just show up,” she said. “If you can help one person, then it’s worth it.”

At the event, students were able to connect with one another, share their journeys, and discuss their experiences at WSU Vancouver. The setting also allowed students to engage with faculty and staff in a more informal, non-academic environment.

Organizers are currently working toward making the zine available digitally through the library database, expanding access for future students.