<p>I'm a third year transfer at a well ranked university in Southern California, and I don't like it. I never thought I would have this discussion, but I am considering taking a year off or switching schools. I feel out of place at my school. It bothers me so much that I have lost my motivation to study and work. I'm at a problematic crossroad in my life and would very much appreciate any advice or words of support. Thank you all</p>
<p>You came from a community college yes? what is your major, where are you, and what preconceived notions have been shattered upon getting into university?</p>
<p>I came from a CC. I’m a third year Environmental Studies major at UC Santa Barbara… Maybe it’s just me, but I think UCSB isn’t a place for everyone. I’ve been having a hard time adjusting to the life and culture out here</p>
<p>Not a fan of all the partying and hookup culture stuff?</p>
<p>I’m sorry to hear the school has not been the right fit for you. However this is a UC transfer forum and you might be in a tight spot if you are thinking of transferring to another UC. As a junior I expect you have been taking upper-division classes and the UCs have limits on how many upper-division units you can have and still be eligible for transfer. You are probably near those limits if you haven’t passed them already. You can look up the limits.</p>
<p>Saying that " I’ve been having a hard time adjusting to the life and culture out here " is pretty vague; that could fit a million different scenarios. Some adjustment as a xfer student is normal; you’re walking into an environment where most of the people around you have known their friends for 2 years and entered college at a time when everyone was looking to meet people. As a xfer the situation is going to be different. But maybe you have more issues than just that. Rather than try to get advice over the internet you should be talking with a counselor at your school to help see what you can do moving forward. See <a href=“http://counseling.sa.ucsb.edu/”>http://counseling.sa.ucsb.edu/</a></p>
<p>@KevinJIglesias91</p>
<p>Try joining a frat? Go to a party? </p>
<p>Are you living in the dorms or off campus housing?</p>
<p>Hey @KevinJIglesias91</p>
<p>I’m sorry to hear that the transfer experience hasn’t been to pleasant for you.
Not trying to pry, but if you are comfortable sharing what specifically you are having difficulty adjusting to, then I think that we might be able to give some more insightful advice. However, if you don’t feel comfortable sharing more that is also understandable, either way I really hope that everything falls into place for you so that your experience becomes more pleasant. </p>
<p>@smltk1505h
I actually applied to UCSB because I heard that their program for my major is actually pretty good;however, that whole party\hook-up culture that you mentioned is totally conflicting with my personality. Not sure if I’ll even get accepted there but it will be interesting to see how all the different factors will end up weighing in my decision.</p>
<p>@AnthroFlo</p>
<p>I find that there’s a distinguishable and pervasive culture here. Again, maybe it’s just me, but my values, beliefs, and attitudes are seemingly out of line with that culture. I feel out of place. I am in the process of deciding whether to continue my educational path here, or consider an option like switching schools. Unfortunately, I don’t have the full support of my family on this issue. This stress has begun to crossover into my academics and I know I need help.</p>
<p>@ TonyStark93</p>
<p>I’ve tried going to parties, but that just brought my differences out further. I’m living in an off campus, university owned apartment.</p>
<p>@KevinJIglesias91</p>
<p>Have you made any friends over there that have similar interests with you?</p>
<p>I just don’t see how anyone can not have a great time in UCSB.</p>
<p>When I visited this past October I fell in LOVE…</p>
<p>The vibe is great!</p>
<p>Some people don’t like the party atmosphere of the school. How is that so hard to understand?</p>
<p>It’s hard to understand because that reputation is highly overblown. Im assuming OP lives in Santa Ynez or another undergrad apartment which are far away from DP (the main party street). I lived in Santa Ynez and it was very quiet, I never went out to IV to party so the entire scene was as if it didn’t exist. Honestly OP, think hard about whether you truly don’t fit in at UCSB or it’s just a case of “the grass is always greener”. There are tons of clubs and activities catered to people who don’t drink or like to attend parties. </p>
<p>@ andrewexd</p>
<p>I live at Westgate, across from San Clemente. </p>
<p>Given UCSBs reputation, I’ve got to wonder what you expected. At this point, I’d say keep your head down, get your degree and get on with your life. If you transfered in as a Jr, you have 18 months left. A transfer now could cost you a year or more. Find a non-party centric club if you need to. There are plenty of students that take their academics seriously, seek them out. </p>
<p>@KevinJIglesias91</p>
<p>I’m sorry to hear that UCSB doesn’t mesh with you well…
As for transferring, at this point in your educational career, it might not be the best idea. If it is something that you are seriously considering gather as much information as you can so you can make an informed decision. Have you considered maybe trying to study abroad for a bit so you can continue with your education but without the hassle of transferring from UCSB? </p>