<p>Ok so I'm a freshman at West Virginia University (WVU) and its not exactly what I expected. I can't see myself being there for 4 years. I'm from chicago so its a good distance away, I can only come back for thanksgiving and christmas, and summer. I miss my friends here. I've made some friends there but there really not worth stucking around that dump of a town anymore. I really can't pinpoint why I don't like it there, but I do know is that everyday before thanksgiving I was counting down the days till I can come back. Overall I'm just not happy there. I dont want to disappoint my parents, but my happiness is on the line. I want to come back home and go to a community college for a semester or 2 before I transfer out to university somewhere alot closer to home. How do I break it too them? </p>
<p>And please nobody try and convince me to stick it out another semester to see if it gets better, I'm pretty set on transfering</p>
<p>Well, as a parent myself, I recommend that you try to present your case as calmly and maturely as possible. Show that you’ve done your “homework”–do a little research on the community college you want to transfer to and have an idea of their course offerings and costs so that your folks know you’ve thought this through and are not just going on blind emotion. Tell them you hate to disappoint them, and demonstrate why the community college for a couple of years really is a good choice.</p>
<p>Totally agree with Pootie. Having a well-thought out plan to present to your parents is KEY. Cover the classes you want to take, explain how that will help with general ed requirements regardless of where you go after. This way it shows that you won’t be wasting your time. Present facts, not emotions.</p>
<p>My DS is in the same position. He realized it soon after arriving at school and let us know that he would stick it out for the year but that he was planning to transfer. He said he would do all the work, pay for the application, etc. He planned on taking science classes in the spring to help with his new major. </p>
<p>Fast forward to November and he’s still unhappy, has done the paperwork to transfer (but won’t know until Jan/Feb) but really feels like he needs to come home. He has a plan, and although it might not be “our plan”, it’s a plan. </p>
<p>One thing I’d like to add is that I can HEAR his unhappiness. Yes, he’s explained how he’s tried to like it there (making friends, going out, getting a job, etc) but he feels like he’s not connecting and he misses home. So for me (mom), I know that he needs to come home. If he’s unhappy now and trying, will he continue to try in the spring when he’s so unhappy? So I see nothing wrong with adding a little emotion into the mixture. </p>
<p>viral: You’ve gotten some really good advice. I’ve been speaking to the parents of a couple of kids who were in your situation and came back home and are now in colleges within a 30 minute drive of their home. Both seem to be happy with the change even if they aren’t completely happy with the new school. The parents of the kids were surprised, and sorry things did not work out but both recognized that their kids were unhappy where they were and were supportive of the move. Chances are that if you are convey your situation in a sincere and responsible way your parents will also support you with the decision. They very likely will be disappointed that you are not happy but they also would very likely prefer for you to learn from and find a better situation than have you stay in a place that is wrong for you.</p>
<p>I appreciate everyone’s response, I told them tonight and they took it surprisingly well. Although they were a little disappointed they want the best for me and understand that I don’t want to go back. I also explained to them in detail my plan, thanks again everyone.</p>