PCS moves are a hassle. They are even more so when the move happens during a college semester.

During our last move, we were given orders just three months before my husband’s report date. I was in the middle of a semester. Chaos ensued.

Because I was attending a local university and not an online college, I had to quickly begin the process of finding a school in the new location and hope that my classes would transfer. I packed, researched schools, studied and cared for my family all at once – which made for an exhausting three months.

When we arrived at our new duty station I had no internet. Perfect.

I relied on my cell phone to complete homework and to continue researching local colleges.

One of my first stops on base was the Navy College office. The counselor there provided me with more information about the local schools and helped me choose one that was military friendly.

Visiting the counselor was the best step I could have made. I am happy with my choice of school and enjoying my experience there. Unfortunately all of my credits didn’t transfer, but I have already caught up and earned enough to continue forward in my program.    

While I recommend that you try hard to finish your semester before you PCS, it is not always possible. If your PCS comes quick, just try to do as much research as possible and register soon with your new school. That speeds up the process once you arrive and is one less task you are faced with while you unpack.

And, don’t forget to visit the education office on base. The counselors there have all the information you need to know about local schools.