Hey everyone,
I am writing because I don’t like the school I am at and simply don’t know what to do. I have been here a little over two weeks and not once have a felt like I truly belong here. People have been very kind but I wouldn’t say I’ve made any real friends. I like my classes but am already re considering my major. I can’t talk to my family about this because they feel like I should be having the best time ever since it is college after all. I really want to leave but am worried I will regret not giving it enough time. At the same time thinking I’m going to be here for another three months makes me cry. I have already tried to join clubs and have been working out to keep my mind off things. However I’m still sad. What should I do?
Give yourself some time. Often people take until Thanksgiving or so to find their friend group, get into a rhythm academically etc. If you are sad you should talk to a professional – I would make an appointment at the counseling center on campus.
Did you make friends in two weeks in high school? Probably not…it takes time, repeated exposure. Give it time and keep going to those clubs and trying new things. If you start feeling self-destructive, go check out your school’s counseling services.
I think I saw that this was originally in the UPenn forum – is that your school? Maybe people can give school-specific pointers for feeling better.
Try to be honest with a parent or a sibling about your feelings. They may suprise you, and be really supportive. Give it a bit of time. If things don’t improve, by all means look into transferring. And see a physician at the student health service about your sadness. You are not alone in what you are experiencing. Many students go through this.
You should stick it out for a least a semester if not two. Two weeks is not nearly enough time to make friends and change your whole way of life.
Try to stick it out the first semester. You are going through a lot of life changes and it is hard. Don’t fight the feelings, accept them, talk to a counselor at your school, and definitely talk to your parents. And whatever you do, do the best you can to do well in your coursework. Once you take courses at the college level you always have a transcript of those courses. Doing well keeps the transfer options open.
@808080 I agree about talking with a counselor at your school. Your situation is quite common and you should find a sympathetic person to speak with in a confidential way. It is very early in the semester but no need to suffer.