I am finishing up my second semester of my first year. I can’t decide whether to transfer or not. I currently go to IUPUI which is in Indianapolis, if you’re not from Indiana then you’ve probably never heard of it. I thought it would be a fun school in the city, but after I got there, I realized it was a huge commuter school which in turn means campus life is very dead. A lot of times, I wished I was at a school with a more active campus to have that more traditional experience. I am an introvert, so I don’t want anything too big or crazy, but a football game or two would be nice. Last semester, my depression and anxiety got worse than they ever had before. I also feel very suffocated on campus sometimes, because I feel like my friends know where I am 24/7 and I have no excuse not to hang out with them if they ask. I have looked for a school to transfer too, but I can’t find a school that I like with a more active campus that is in my price range. It seems like my options are either going to community college at home for a year and try and find a different school I like and transferring after my sophomore year, transferring to a smaller local college and living at home and commuting, or staying at IUPUI. The only hang up I have about wondering whether I should transfer is I am worried I’ll be bored at home and I am worried people will think im giving up and “couldn’t handle” moving away, when in reality I am very independent. I feel so lost, and this is causing me so much stress and anxiety. I have no idea what to do, please give advice.
Stop thinking about what someone else might think. What matters is your own mental health. If you would be happier living at home and commuting, then go do that. It really, truly, is OK!
Hi There,
Please have an honest talk with your parents or a trusted adult in your life. Also, your mental health issues should not be minimized. I would encourage you to reach out to a professional as well if you haven’t already. My son has anxiety, OCD, and depression, and he is currently at home and going to school. It’s ok to do that. In his case, all of his professional and personal supports are here in his hometown, and he is still moving in the academic direction he wants. His path is just different than he thought it would be. Take care of yourself first, the other decisions will come after that. Best wishes to you.