<p>Hi its like 4am and I can't sleep. I'm thinking about college and my mind is going crazy. I keep doing what ifs and it sucks. I'll be a freshman at Loyola Maryland in the fall but I'm wondering if I made the right decision. I haven't even attended the school yet but I already feel like its the wrong school for me. I still don't know where I wanna go. I wanted to major in journalism/communications to become a sports journalist. I should have gone to Penn State but it is too big and cold, but they have an amazing program. I don't know if I picked the right school. I hear Loyola is a bar school and its in the ghetto. Should I look for schools to transfer to, (who am I kidding I've been doing that already). How would I transfer and when and what if I didn't get in? I'm so confused. Help me. ahhhhhhh</p>
<p>Step one: Relax. Really. Take a deep breath, hold it, then let it out slow and relax. You’re okay. You’re not alone, just about everyone feels this way, even those who danced in the hallways in highschool when they told you where they were going. It’s pretty universal.</p>
<p>Going to school was a great choice, no matter the school. Many, many schools are located in less than primo parts of a city, but the immediate area surrounding the school is typically fairly safe and filled with shops, apartments, and food areas that cater to students. It’s also the way everyone lives once they are out on their own, and we for the most part do just fine. Also within a week of arriving you will know where to go and where not to. </p>
<p>All schools have reputations for one thing or the other, typically related to partying of one form or another. You only need to worry about those things if you get involved in those things. With thousands of students, only a handful typically go over the top. So don’t go with them.</p>
<p>As far as program choice is concerned, I don’t know the school. However the first two years at all schools is extremely similar. Many, many people who find themselves out-of-place move after two years, and some even sooner. It’s allowed, it’s fairly common and you should not fear it. But at this point in time unless you have a backup, starting school will provide you with the school experience, something that will make any later move, much easier. Keep your grades high, and fill a portfolio with great writing samples and make the world your oyster, whether you stay or choose to move on.</p>
<p>Finally I went from home in CT to PA for my first school, VA for my next, never visiting the schools before going. And while you will be confronted with a some culture shock, so is just about everyone else. That’s the cool thing. That first couple of weeks while everyone struggles with the same feelings, you meet people who will be your friends for the rest of your life. You are also going to be exposed to all kinds of cool things (been to Baltimore, lots of fun near the water).</p>
<p>Nobody knows if they picked the “right” school, but this one decision will not define who you are or who you will become. If it ends up you need to move, then you will move, and that will be another decision in a long string of decision which you will make. Some better, some worse, but none will be “the” decision that makes or breaks you. It’s called life, and you should get ready for what is probably going to be one of the most fun times of your life.</p>
<p>Deep breath. And stay in touch as you go through it. Good luck.</p>
<p>Go, enjoy your fr year. Make friends, take advantage of all that your school has to offer, get to know professors. Don’t even think about transferring until Christmas break. Transfer applications aren’t due until about Feb at the earliest. There is no ‘right’ school, there are many schools which will fit your needs, give LM a chance.</p>
<p>thanks for your replies! i was like freaking out. i guess im just nervous about school and stuff idk i just wanna go and see what happens. thank you!</p>
<p>Good attitude! As the mother of a child that transferred, I understand that sometimes it’s a necessary choice, but it’s never easy. Between having to apply while taking classes, having do deal with new friends and wanting to move away, getting to know profs, meeting new friends and starting new activities at the transfer school, etc. it’s a difficult path and only one you want to take if your current school really doesn’t work for you.</p>