I was wondering how easy it is to fit in at the new school you transfer to. I am asking this because I almost failed ninth grade but bounced back well, so I will only be able to apply to UC and CSU Schools. I hope to get out of California eventually but I don’t want to ruin my social life by transferring to a school and being the odd one out. Please let me know, Thanks! (BTW out of state isn’t an option bc of 9th-11th gpa and family issues for the next two-four years)
Transferring is what you make out of it. If you get involved with clubs, reach out to people to make friends, make study groups with people in your classes, and be social, then you will most likely be fine. It is all about putting yourself out there and be willing to make friends.
The answer is “it depends.” It can be difficult to transfer as many friendships are formed during freshman year. That said, I did transfer after freshman year and I was quite fortunate – I was placed into a suite with people I “clicked” with immediately and who accepted me into their friend group. Over time I made other friends through classes and clubs and expanded my circle quite a bit. Still, I do believe that my social life probably would have been “bigger” and I might have had more choices if I had started at the school as a freshman. Still, I would transfer again in a second – the school I switched to was a much better fit academically, was in an urban location which was better suited to what I wanted, and I did carve out a very good social life there.
But as for some unsolicited advice – While my transfer worked out very well, in general I think it is a terrible idea to start one college with the intent of transferring out (unless you start at a CC). This will stand in the way of your making meaningful friendships, developing relationships with professors, and getting involved on campus. Then if your transfer doesn’t work out as planned you will be really stuck. Unless you start off at a CC, I’d go to the college you enrolled in with the intent of staying all four years. It is fine to throw in a couple of transfer applications but don’t count on it working out.
Don’t go to a UC or CSU with the idea that you are just biding time until you can get out. Embrace it. Enjoy your 4 years in college. California is huge. If you live in San Diego, go to school in SF - it will be just the same as going to Arizona as far as distance and a different climate. If you live near the coast go inland for a change.
My kids had to transfer high schools twice. I really wanted them to find a college they could go to for 4 years. One has a lot of friends and has had the typical experience. The other has spent two semesters away from her school and it has been harder for her. Her original class will graduate next May and it will be hard to go back after her friends have moved on.
@twoinanddone I don’t believe that you understand what I’m saying. I love the people in California and I’ll definitely have a great time in college no matter where I go as am a work-hard, party-hard person to put it bluntly and I will connect with anyone anywhere, but I’m trying to make connections into a place where I will actually live. Thank you!
@FirstGenZ If you have the mentality of “I’m leaving in 1 or 2 years”, it will definitely seep into your social life.
I agree - it is what you make of it. if you go in and embrace the school by participating in activities (if it’s Berkeley, that means protests), attending sporting events, join clubs - related to your major and not, fraternities, etc. you will quickly develop a network of friends and a full social calendar.
if not, you’ll be sitting home alone with your game controller - just like high school and the CC you transferred from