Is it okay to take a semester off?

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>Let me start by saying I am in the minority (or at least it feels this way) of my friends who hates her school. I hate the enviornment, the people, the academics...nothing about it is working. It was my first choice for a school, but it turns out that the school is nothing like I expected it to be.</p>

<p>I'm never happy when I'm there. I lost a signifigant amount of weight during the first semester, and hardly got a good night of sleep. And it's not because I was pulling all nighters-I barely had any work ever and was always in bed by midnight.</p>

<p>I have a 5 week winter break, which is great, but what's not been so great is the constant panic attacks I've been having. I already have problems with anxiety, but every time I start thinking about school, it usually ends me with having a panic or anxiety attack.
I already know for sure I want to transfer for next fall, but it's too late to switch to a new school now. </p>

<p>So, I was wondering: is it better for me to stay home for this semester and get a job/internship while researching other colleges I could possibly attend, or should I just go back for the semester and try to get through it and hope for the best? I already have 21 credits after one semester.</p>

<p>Thanks for any advice or suggestions you can give!</p>

2

<p>You can take a semester off and look for another school</p>

3

<p>Taking a semester off should be fairly straightforward, but each school is different. You may have to notify your school and complete paperwork. It’s best to speak with a dean or any administrative officer at your school.</p>

4

<p>Yes, its ok to do. The only reason why I would say not to is that some colleges require 30 credits to transfer. If that is the case for the schools you’re looking to transfer to then you might want to stick it out where you already are.</p>

5

<p>I know how you feel about anxiety when thinking about school. I’m not exactly “loving” my school yet, but it’s getting there. Some take longer times to adjust, I’m probably still having anxiety attacks and nervous since I just got back to campus and classes start tomorrow. I’d say talk to your parents and see what they think too</p>