<p>Okay so I'm in my first semester her at Michigan and almost 100% sure I'll be transferring out for the spring. Last year when I made my decision to come here I thought it was for me, but now I'm not so sure....
I'm from Berkeley Ca and wa told Ann Arbor was very similar to there, I'm not getting the vibe. I feel like I'm too far from home and miss not being able to go home on the weekends for a "break" like the thousands of Michigan kids. The Midwest is very different from the west coast and I'm feeling like I just don't fit in. I don't think I've ever been so miserable and can't imagine continuing at a place where I feel like this. Many say you have to give it time, but what if I have a strong gut instinct telling me its all wrong?</p>
<p>I am sure you are not the only one. Leaving home is a big thing, it requires a lot of adjustment, and you are far away, so it is harder. I think you should give it a while, just because the change in weather, the pressure of midterms can be a bump in the road and the fact that as the newness wears off, there is always of bit of let down. If you are making social contacts, trying to participate in some extracurriculars and doing your studying, you will find your circle of friends increasing and you will feel more tied to the school. Of course, some people are just not going to like Ann Arbor or Umich, just like anyplace else, but it is too early to give up, give it a few more months! It really is a great place with so much to offer.</p>
<p>You are not the only one. Not all freshmen fit right in at first. Some, in fact, leave (a small number, since over 90% return for sophomore year, but if you transfer you would not be the only one)</p>
<p>FWIW, the University surveyed the graduating class of 2008 and several of them talked about how it took them some time to find their niche and love this place. Freshman year is an adjustment for a lot of people. Only you can be the judge of whether it's worth it for you to stay or not, but I do know some people who stuck it out found that things did a 180 for them. Whether because they felt more settled, got a mentor, added to their circle of friends, found the right extracurricular, declared a major.... there are all kinds of catalysts.</p>
<p>I know my D, also a first semester freshman, has felt like this. She has friends, is involved in activities, etc., but it is hard for an OOS. She hasn't been home since August and I know that isn't easy when there are so many around her that do get to go home frequently.</p>
<p>On the other hand, she wants to tough it out and thinks eventually it will get better. She loves her classes and professors...is very happy with the quality of education she is getting so far. Adjusting to the climate and Midwestern life isn't easy, but U Mich is a great school. We've never met an alumn that didn't love the place and have fond memories...so she'll wait a bit to see if the magic happens for her, too. Meanwhile, I'm counting the days until Parent's Weekend so I can spoil her silly!</p>