<pre><code> Last year I was a senior, applying to nursing programs. I was accepted to several quality nursing programs-including the school I'm currently at-but I chose this one because of the price. In addition, my parents weren't willing to tour with me, so I only had the opportunity to see three schools.
I'm not happy here. I don't fit in with the student body, and I'm not comfortable. I know we're only a month in, so I'm waiting until the end of the semester to decide-but I'm very nervous about my prospects as a transfer.
As a freshman, I received a lot of merit based aid at a handful of schools. But I know that transfers get a lot less, even if their grades are higher.
I'm just really terrified that I'm going to be stuck here, in a school where I'm miserable, because I let myself get pressured into going to the cheapest school rather than considering the fit.
<p>I have a handful of friends here, and I’m in a few clubs-it just really doesn’t feel like the school for me. Like I said, I’m giving it the semester, but it’s just brutal here</p>
<p>You are right about transfer students and aid and that has to be a big consideration. IMO you should give your current school your best shot – seek out some clubs and extracurricular you are interested in and see if you meet some people you like. Also as you move forward out of the general requirements and take more nursing classes you may find people who are more like minded. </p>
<p>Never forget the positives of your situation. You seemed to have found an affordable school where you have a great major in a field that should lead you to a wonderful and satisfying career. I’m sure there are many people who would love to be in your position imperfect as it may be.</p>
<p>I know, and I’m trying here; I’m involved in several clubs, working hard on my work, and doing my best to find like-minded people. It’s rough because in my dorm, all they seem to do every night is go out and drink and party. My school is known for being a huge party school, but I didn’t think it would be this bad. </p>
<p>Almost everyone recommends sticking it out the first year unless it’s absolutely intolerable. Lots of freshmen are going through this right now, some even show up unannounced on their parents doorstep one weekend claiming they don’t want to go back. Most often, it’s homesickness and a longing for what no longer exists, high school. Give it some time, make some friends, try some new things. If it’s still looking bad early in 2nd semester, start working on a transfer. But for the vast majority of kids, this phase passes and they’re happy until graduation.</p>
<p>You are also not the only person suffering from this at your school. Your college undoubtedly has free counseling available and familiarity with the problem. Why don’t you go see them and see what they suggest? They’ve seen this a million times and probably have some good ideas about how to help you acclimate.</p>
<p>You chose this school because it was what you could afford. You won’t be able to afford transfer schools. You may need to make lemonade out of lemons…otherwise you’ll end up commuting to your local CC and who knows where you’d be able to afford to transfer to.</p>
<p>You’re at one of the UMass schools, is that right? If so, there are likely all kinds of kids there. Find your people.</p>
<p>Is there a substance free dorm or other special interest housing at your school that might be quieter? If so, perhaps you can change dorms. You may find more like minded people there. I’m sorry you’re having a rough time. I hope things improve soon!</p>
<p>@mom2collegekids: money’s not the problem, I picked this school because of the program; which is spectacular. If I decide I want to transfer, I’ll do what I have to. I’ll take a year and work. Money’s not the issue. I’m doing what I can to make zoomass work for me, but I hate hearing sirens every night and being surrounded by alcoholic eighteen year olds. </p>
<p>First of all, get some good earplugs. If you worry that they will keep you from hearing your wake-up alarm, test them out on a weekend. My H uses earplugs, but can still hear his phone alarm, which he has on high volume.</p>
<p>Also, there are draperies that you can hang in your dorm room that help muffle sounds as well. These can be gotten at Target, Walmart, etc <a href=“http://eclipsecurtains.com”>http://eclipsecurtains.com</a> Get the noise reducing ones.</p>
<p>Now…onto the drunken frosh… Every fall starts out this way at many/most schools. Kids who aren’t mature enough for college or are taking advantage of “no parents” around go too far with booze and partying. Well, much of this calms down after the first semester. Those with bad grades get pulled out or flunk out. Those whose grades are borderline get a big wake up call and pull it together. Much of this all will go away soon.</p>
<p>Don’t leave a school if it has a spectacular program. Taking a year off and working isn’t the solution that you may think it is. If you have a loan, you will have to start paying. The money that you earn will increase your EFC. One year of wages isn’t going to put much of a dent into three more years of college.</p>
<p>Nothing wrong with a Umass Amherst diploma.You have to stick it out for a year and if you still do not like it, transfer. Atypical first year depression/home sick/grass is greener syndrome.</p>
<p>when one finds oneself in a stupendous program, one must try to be as flexible as possible in order to stay in the program. If that means ear plugs, you get ear plugs. If it means working with the RA on your floor to offer the students non-alcohol-related events on Friday and Saturday night, you’ll only benefit from such efforts. And so will the students on your floor. If it means abandoning that floor for a substance-free floor, then you show such flexibility. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot because others are puking on your shoes. This is how adults respond to cretin dorm-mates. Time to grow up, OP. Isn’t that one reason why you came to college?</p>