I am not happy at my college should I transfer?

Student Lounge College Life
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Hi,
I am not happy at my college choice. I am a freshmen and I just started my second quarter of college. I currently attend Cal Poly Pomona and I can say I am not happy here. My major is Mechanical Engineering and I know that this is a great school to be at for this major. This school however was not my first choice and to be honest I did not know it existed until I applied to SLO and found out. I got denied from UCLA, UCSB, SLO, DAVIS all for the same major. I guess I just really settled.

I live on campus and because of this I am in huge debt only counting my first year. I really love this school academically, I wish i could be a commuter, every time I am in class I love all the knowledge I am attaining.What I really dislike about this school is that it is a commuter campus and it is not really a “on campus friendly” school. I live about 2 hours away from campus which is why It was not an option for me to commute. I also feel that many of the conversations here all lead up to the question “Where did you not get accepted” and “was this your first choice”. Sadly most of the people here just chose to come here so they wouldn’t have to be at home and they didn’t get accepted to their dream school. (at least that’s how I feel)

During my first quarter here I did not do well I ended up with a 2.28 GPA. I have to retake my calculus class and because of this I lost my priority registration. I made some friends but they are not as dedicated to their studies as I am so i feel it’s really hard to concentrate when I am around them, however when I am alone I feel empty inside.

The only time I feel I was really happy was when I was with my girlfriend, she would motivate me to do well and at that time I forgot about the whole “I don’t like it here” feelings. She just broke up with me and well I am at the lowest I have ever been in life.

I think that maybe going back home for a year then transferring to a school I really always wanted to go to Like UCLA, or UCSB would really do me well. However I don’t know. I know that If i get my B.S here at Cal Poly Pomona I will have a promising future in engineering because of all the hands on learning that we get here. Instead of all the theoretical learning that I would receive at a UC. But I just really don’t know.

If anyone can help that would be greatly appreciated thanks guys.

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Former alumni here. The majority of the Cal States are commuter campuses, since they service students in the immediate area. You are going on your 2nd quarter and the transition from HS to college can be tough. I think you need to give it until the end of the year before making any rash decisions. Having your girlfriend break up with you, I am sure is one of many things contributing to your unhappiness but definitely do not let this be a deciding factor if you are considering transferring.

ME at Cal Poly is a competitive so do not feel down that you are not doing as well as you hoped. Give yourself some time to get into the “groove” of studying, seek out help if needed and make an effort to get involved in the school.

My husband was on campus yesterday interviewing prospective job applicants (ME/Civil and Industrial Engineering) for his company that prefers CPP grads to other school grads (several UC’s) due to the “hands on” approach in learning. Hang in there and hopefully things will be better. If you feel at the end of the year that going to a CC and transferring will be a better option, then definitely pursue that avenue, but remember sometimes the saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” can be apt. Good Luck.

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How much debt will accummulate for your four years? Is there a campus with the same major within commuting distance from your home to reduce this debt load? If not, then it seems like digging in, fixing that calculus grade, and making the best of the very good educational opportunity that you have is your best option. There’s no guarantee that you will be happier at the other schools. The point of a college education is to get that degree and eventually a career if you want one.

You are hurting right now because of your break up too. Make sure to take care of your health and studies, this pain will pass.