I'm pretty sure I chose the wrong school...advice needed please!

Transfer Students
1

<p>This semester, after two years in community college, I transferred to a small private school near my house. In all honesty, I made the choice mostly based on parental pressure. I have a good relationship with my parents, and they told me if I went out of state to my top choice, they would be "devastated." They repeatedly told me they didn't want me to be so far away. I just couldn't do that to them, so I went to this school. I tried to be excited about it and make the best of it, even though deep down, I felt like I was making a mistake. Still, I tried to go in with an open mind and dismissed those feelings as having cold feet.</p>

<p>I'm currently living off campus with another student in an apartment; I signed a yearlong lease. I have no problems with her, she's a really sweet girl and we actually get along really well, and I don't miss my parents too much because we talk daily and I've always been pretty independent. But the school is what I have an issue with.</p>

<p>I went to a very small private high school, and honestly didn't like how small it was. Everyone knew everyone; there was hardly any room to branch out. This school is very similar. I even have classes with several of my ex-high school classmates, that's how small this school is. I'm not a fan of the diversity level at this school either. Also like my high school, the crowd is basically split into the really fashionable party kids or the super introverted kids. I have friends who fit both categories, but I wish there was more diversity. I love having friends that fit ALL kinds of categories, not just two. This school not very diverse at all - barely any minorities or out of state kids. And my final point is that I'm having a hard time finding people I click with, which is very unlike me. I make friends often and easily. To be honest, the people here seem very guarded and not open to making new friends, because they already have theirs...just really cliquey and kind of snobby to be honest. I met and actually befriended many people in community college with a similar mindset, but I didn't want to encounter people who weren't open to making new friends in an actual university. It's one of the reasons I was so eager to leave community college in the first place - to find people who were more open to new friends and new experiences. It's just very disappointing having to deal with it all over again. However, there are some pros. The academics and campus/facilities are wonderful, I have to give credit where it's due. But I feel like I'll never actually enjoy being here because of the social aspect. I can adapt, but I don't think I'll ever be truly happy here. I think I want to transfer next semester. My main questions are:</p>

<p>-If I were to transfer in spring, how would I handle this apartment situation/break the news to my roommate? Like I said, my choice has nothing to do with her. But I also don't want her to hate me.
-I'm on financial aid for this school...if I were to transfer in spring, would I still be responsible for paying off the entire year of loans, or just the semester I attended?
-I would likely to apply to a few of the same schools I was previously accepted into. Would this affect my chances of getting in again?
-Does it look bad to transfer more than once?</p>

<p>And any advice about this situation in general would be appreciated. Thanks for reading everyone!</p>

2

<p>I think you should stick it out. I take it, you’re a junior now. You are less than two years away from getting a bachelor’s degree, so focus on graduation. Grad school out-of-state might be an option, if you have the grades and want to go down that road. Furthermore, it would be a bad idea to break your apartment lease agreement.</p>

3

<p>Well in all honesty, I really wanted to have the fun social experience (while also working hard and getting a good education) as an undergrad, and in grad school I just feel like I’d be too busy to have both. :confused: I already missed out on a lot of the college social experience by going to community college, and I feel like I’m going through the same thing at this school. That’s my main issue.</p>

<p>Also, I talked to the leasing office at my apartment and they said as long as I find a roommate to replace me, there would be no penalty, so there’s that.</p>

<p>I completely understand what you’re saying but since the school costs so much money I don’t think sticking it out would be the best choice for me. If it was a fairly inexpensive school I probably would, but I just feel bad trudging through the next year and a half when my parents are spending/borrowing so much for me to attend this school, you know? I’d rather go somewhere where I’m really happy or somewhere my parents could easily afford. I guess I’ll just have to figure something out. Thank you for your advice!</p>

4

<p>If you must. But sticking it out for Spring might be the best situation for you. I believe financial aid can only be given to you for one school per academic year, but speak to the financial aid office and that of a school you wish to transfer to.</p>

<p>You learned the hard way how to be selfish with YOUR education. Or maybe I am just cold hearted to my parents… :/</p>

5

<p>Make a list, and start cranking out your transfer applications. You will almost certainly need to spend four semesters at your new school, so take that financial information into account. If you aren’t happy, and you are racking up a bunch of debt, there may be more economical options that are at least as good for you. Financial aid can be iffy for students who start second semester, so check that out carefully. You may need to take the spring off and work while you wait to start at your new school in the fall.</p>