I’m currently a freshman at UCI, but due to financial and personal problems, I believe that it’s better for me to go to a CC near home and then transfer to a UCD since it where I am located. I was thinking of intercampus transferring, but it’s too late now. Please help! I don’t know what to do. I just don’t feel like UCI is for me because it’s too far away, and I can’t seem to click with anyone…on top of that, it costs too much. 
Has anyone ever been in my position?
Leave UCI, register at a CCC, then transfer to UCD, either via TAG or the ol’ fashioned way. Best of luck & I’m sorry about your situation, I hope things get better.
I was in your position but at Cal Poly Pomona, and I jumped ship before classes even started. I don’t regret a thing, I’m very happy now 
@flaminhaute thank you for the suggestion! another thing I forgot to mention is that I’m undecided… I know that if I stay at UCI will it be better because I’m U/U or would it be better at a CCC? Some people said don’t roam around CCC being undecided because then it will hurt my chances into a UC??
I’m not sure all UC campuses will allow you to apply as undecided, but a CC is probably the most low risk option for figuring out what you want to major in!
I was in the same position while a freshman at UCSB. Due to depression and anxiety, I decided to leave UCSB to return home and enroll at a CC with the intent to transfer back to a UC once I had completed my GE and major pre-requisites. This was, for me, the best decision I could have made. Returning home provided me with the time and support to overcome my depression and anxiety; it was also significantly cheaper in cost, when compared to UC costs. I sent in my UC transfer application, as well as an approved TAG, last fall and am awaiting my admission decisions.
If you are trying to decide whether leaving your UC and enrolling at CC with the intent to transfer, you should really take some time to think about your reasons for wanting to leave. Have you tried joining clubs and campus organizations to get involved and maybe find others who you can “click with?” If this hasn’t helped and you truly think leaving the UC is your best option, here is some advice:
- If you can, try to finish winter quarter with good grades before withdrawing from the school. You’ll be able to get credit for the classes you’ve taken, rather than having to take them again at the CC.
- Make plans to enroll at the CC so that there is not a gap between when you leave the UC and continue with classes at the CC.
- Meet with a CC counselor as soon as possible, preferably before you even begin classes at CC. Tell them your situation; they will be able to offer you advice and guidance on what classes to take in preparation for transfer.
- Since you are undecided on your major, use the time at CC to really find out what you are interested in pursuing. Take classes, join clubs, volunteer…branch out and find your passion. There is nothing wrong with being undecided; just make sure that you have an idea of what you want to major in before transferring back to a UC because undecided transfer applicants have a harder time being accepted.
- If you are certain about wanting to transfer to UCD after CC, try doing so with a TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee). This will require you to decide on a major and take the prerequisites while at CC; you’ll also have to maintain a 3.2 GPA (may be higher for certain majors). You may want to work on general ed classes before deciding on doing a TAG since you’ll need to know what major you would want to study.
- Maintain your GPA. While CC course loads are not necessarily easier, you will likely have more time to study and learn the material. Take advantage of this extra time & aim to excel in your CC courses. A high GPA will only help you when you transfer.
I sincerely hope that this helps. Good luck! (:
@flaminhaute Thank you again! Hoped everything worked out for you!
@shayhello17 Omg, thank you so much for the kind advice! Seriously, I really needed it! I’ve been stressing out over this too much that I feel like everything is getting worse and worse. The problem, is I know that I will be much happier at a CC because it’s home (: but I am afraid that because I do not know my major, it will take me longer than it should. Also heard that it gets competitive choosing classes at CCs…and I really don’t want to take the chances of going to a CC because of the delays. At the same time, I don’t know if I can stay here at UCI, any longer than Winter quarter. I will do as you say and try very hard this quarter, thank you so much <3
I am glad you are happier now than before (: I hope to do the same.
I’m also dealing with the same issue at UCSD. It’s an extremely hard choice and I am lost. Depressed at this school but afraid I will hate wherever I transfer to more. @shayhello17 I don’t know how to PM but did you have any trouble settling in to your new school?
@hmsstudent thats exactly how I’m feeling atm. I was so set on transferring back home to a CC, but then afraid that I will hate the school. But the truth is, I’m going to just believe in myself and try to make the best of the situation. Just make a choice and don’t regret it…because I know that being home with family will be better than here at UCI.
Settling into the new school will be a difficult thing for me, but I will survive, since it’s just 2 years (:
A perfectly normal plan. Many, many students do and have done exactly what you contemplate. very mature of you to reassess and then develop a plan. Good luck.
@MassDaD68 Thank you! Your post makes me feel much better. (:
Will you finish the year or drop out after winter quarter? I’m so worried I’ll be charged for leaving, but I can’t even contemplate going back rn or start crying. I’m extremely unhappy and like you, know I will feel better once I am back with my family
@hmsstudent I will be withdrawing from UCI after winter quarter. I have talked to some people about it and from tons of research, I’m pretty sure I will not be charged. As long as I withdraw before Spring quarter, I will be fine. I feel you Everyday, I feel like I’m getting worst…but I just keep reminding myself that it’ll all be over soon. If you need to talk, I’ll be here as well! (:
Thanks! I plan to do the same. It has definitely given me more peace of mind, but I’m still trying to deal with anxiety and depression during the week. Let me know how it turns out!