Transitioning and university

[Jared]

So, I'm gonna change my name and gender marker within a month and it's my last semester at university. Nobody knows I'm trans except 2 friends. Our lectures are in small groups, so everyone in my group will know about it. Than everybody x'D Presenting female won't work for me 'til the end of the semester so it's not an option. I'll talk to the psychologist of the school next week but maybe some of you are more experienced in this. Did any of you transitioned like this? Any kind of advice is appreciated.

[Hayzer12]

I was a little confused as to what you were asking, but I am in my last semester at University and began transitioning a year and a half ago. Before my name was legally changed I asked professors to call me by my preferred name, explaining my situation and the importance of such. All professors that I spoke with honored my wishes. No one knows, except those that I allow to know, that I am trans. No one sees me as anything other than a normal 22 year old man. If I hadn't asked my professors do honor my wishes though, EVERYONE would know. Speak with your professors about it if you do not wish anyone to know.

I wish you the best.

[Jared]

I'm sorry if I couldn't explain it, my english is not the best  The biggest issue is everyone knows me female at school. If I understand you well enough, you started as male right? I didn't and am worrying about my group's reaction. I'm almost sure my professors would do me this favour but it would be awkward for the group I go with. 'Til this *birthname*, and the other day *choosen name*.   
Anyway, thank you.

[Bexi]

Sorry for posting here, and I apologize if I'm intruding, but I transitioned (male to female though) during my Uni days too and could hopefully offer some help. I started as male then changed to female mid-way through my degree.

Does your university have a Student adviser or counsellor? Telling them your intentions may be useful as they could offer advice, maybe let certain important people know or give you resources/information that might be helpful.

As Hayzer12 said, I'd recommend asking your lecturers to call you by your chosen name. It may seem insignificant, but being know by your chosen name as opposed to your birth name makes a hell of a difference. You feel better.

Also, if the lecturers know then if your situation seems to become overpowering or distracting, they could possibly grant you leniency with deadlines or submissions. Likewise, it may be relevant when it comes to examinations, especially if your name is changed.

Regarding your classmates - if you want them to know, just tell them. Most will be accepting, and others will probably not care! Students in higher education tend to be open-minded and accepting. You could always go to your two friends as support.

[ford]

Hey Jared,

I'm doing this right now, as a matter of fact. I've asked my professors to call me by my chosen name. It was a non-issue, and in smaller classes where we introduced ourselves I went by that name too. The only problem right now is that I have a few people who knew me from previous classes by my birth name, and I keep hesitating on telling them. I'm not sure how to say 'oh by the way, I know I introduced myself as *birthname* last semester when we met, but now it's *chosen name*.' I just don't know how to do it without being awkward. I figure at some point it'll just work itself out  (haha, yeah right). I haven't told anyone at the school specifically that I'm trans yet.

I also am at an awkward stage where I look like either a seriously ugly girl or....yeah I don't know. I'm not on T yet but hope to start in a few months, and this problem will worsen. I just keep telling myself that all I really  have to do is act normal and act like myself and it'll be ok. Easier said than done. On the bright side uni environments for the most part seem really accepting of 'different' people.

So...not totally helpful I guess but I'm right there with you 

[Jared]

Sorry for posting here, and I apologize if I'm intruding, but I transitioned (male to female though) during my Uni days too and could hopefully offer some help. I started as male then changed to female mid-way through my degree.

Does your university have a Student adviser or counsellor? Telling them your intentions may be useful as they could offer advice, maybe let certain important people know or give you resources/information that might be helpful.

As Hayzer12 said, I'd recommend asking your lecturers to call you by your chosen name. It may seem insignificant, but being know by your chosen name as opposed to your birth name makes a hell of a difference. You feel better.

Also, if the lecturers know then if your situation seems to become overpowering or distracting, they could possibly grant you leniency with deadlines or submissions. Likewise, it may be relevant when it comes to examinations, especially if your name is changed.

Regarding your classmates - if you want them to know, just tell them. Most will be accepting, and others will probably not care! Students in higher education tend to be open-minded and accepting. You could always go to your two friends as support.

No need to be sorry, I'm thankful for your post.
Yep, I'm gonna see the Student adviser tomorrow, so I hope he can help me in some things.
One of my professors also calls me "sir", of course without knowing my name, I guess my classmates getting used to it slowly 
I'd like to believe they're really more open minded than in high school. Thanks for your post again, it's good to see someone "survived" this 

Hey Jared,

I'm doing this right now, as a matter of fact. I've asked my professors to call me by my chosen name. It was a non-issue, and in smaller classes where we introduced ourselves I went by that name too. The only problem right now is that I have a few people who knew me from previous classes by my birth name, and I keep hesitating on telling them. I'm not sure how to say 'oh by the way, I know I introduced myself as *birthname* last semester when we met, but now it's *chosen name*.' I just don't know how to do it without being awkward. I figure at some point it'll just work itself out  (haha, yeah right). I haven't told anyone at the school specifically that I'm trans yet.

I also am at an awkward stage where I look like either a seriously ugly girl or....yeah I don't know. I'm not on T yet but hope to start in a few months, and this problem will worsen. I just keep telling myself that all I really  have to do is act normal and act like myself and it'll be ok. Easier said than done. On the bright side uni environments for the most part seem really accepting of 'different' people.

So...not totally helpful I guess but I'm right there with you 

Hey man, good to have you here then  that's my biggest issue, almost everyone knows me by my birth name and gender. But you're right it'll work itself out  For me it got harder to act normal or like myself lol. I'm trying to be "invisible" as much as it's possible, but it won't work forever, so it's time to do something cause I really got tired of presenting female for the sake of school, and I pass most of the time as male, even if I shouldn't, so it's awkward xD
Thanks for your post, and I wish you the best too