<p>I'm a freshman from out-of-state at West Virginia University in Morgantown. I chose WVU over other smaller state schools in my home state because there was a greater enrollment, bigger name, and seemed more interesting. I'm here now just into my second semester and it feels off. The major I am considering will put me back an additional year making it 5 total years before graduation. The thought of picking a major stresses me out because I am not sure if I want to commit to a major and most likely have to stay here to finish it. Its the being HERE that bothers me more than anything.</p>
<p>My GPA last semester was a 3.6 which was a huge jump in performance in comparison to the last 18 years of my academic history, also putting me ahead if I want to transfer. The reputation of WVU hasn't impressed me with their football and beer environment, but alas, I haven't given up. I have worked hard to not let the outside affect me, but at what point will this pay off, if ever, and is this even anything more than escapism? Will I actually find alternatives and see some change in my lack of social life and comfortability being here, or is it just a matter of time to find the right people and see it in a new light?</p>
<p>I came from a bigger town that had a DIY music scene, -cough-real movie theaters-cough- and other townie/gdi things that I could actually enjoy doing. I am not thrilled with the bars/clubs/greek life that seems to chew up and spit out the entire town. Is this just college or is this an actual trashy place that is not right for me?</p>
<p>To transfer?</p>
<p>Is relocating to a university in a bigger town with alternatives to typical college activities worth it or just a waste of time and money over this short 4-5 years?</p>
<p>I was struggling with the same problem just a few days ago, if you feel unhappy at your current school – it would be a waste of your time and the schools time (and your money) to stay there, it sounds corny but led your heart lead you to where you want to go. I knew I didn’t want to stay at my current school anymore and I believe I have found where I’m supposed to be instead! PM me if you have more questions :)</p>
<p>I agree with Detroitgirl. If you don’t feel like a good fit at your current institution, don’t feel bad for transferring. Thousands of kids across the country transfer every year.</p>
<p>I can see that. But I wonder if it would be better to go for the honors college here and “stand out” from the majority, rather than pushing myself into a generally higher performing academic majority and blend in at a better school? All I know for certain is that its very hard trying to judge social and academic life independently because they seem to run together with all gen ed courses… I still haven’t been around a college environment for all that long. I know I’ll still be going here next fall, so I hope some obvious signs of stay/leave will appear before too late next year…</p>
<p>I think looking into the honors college is an excellent idea. You may very well meet people who have similiar goals, etc. WVU is a big school, hard to believe there is not a niche for you.</p>
<p>samrudich - what major are you considering? I think one of the benefits of the WVU honors college is that the students live together in the Honors dorm as freshman. Other than that, you get priority registration and a few smaller classes, so the social benefits may not be there if you enter later. What dorm are you in? My son is a freshman in Braxton, he’s met a nice group of friends and oddly, they hardly ever party (I actually wish they would get out more). There are PLENTY of students at WVU whose total focus is not beer and sports, but you need to make an effort to get out there and find them, join clubs, get involved in campus activities. Also, the freshman scene is dominated by partying at most universities, and it settles down in the upper years. As for the academics, it may depend on your major. The GEC courses at WVU are easy enough, but from what I’ve heard the major classes are no cakewalk. I’ve been very impressed with the rigor of my son’s math and science classes. Maybe you need to challenge yourself a bit?</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with transferring if that’s what you think is the right decision for you. I spent a year at the University of Alaska Fairbanks before deciding it wasn’t the right fit… ended up transferring to the U of Idaho and finding a real niche for my skills and interests.</p>
<p>Sit down and start looking for schools you think you’d be happier at. Investigate their transfer credit policies, costs, etc. Talk to professors at those schools.</p>
<p>futurecollegemom- I am consider Landscape Architecture and am looking into creative writing as well. The honors program has definitely been a goal of mine since I came very close to qualifying last semester. I am active in one organization and just joined an honorary society.</p>
<p>polarscribe- Did the location of your original university have a lot to do with your transfer? I’m assuming Fairbanks was more rural… was Idaho more urban or was their a greater enrollment? Also, was it changing your mindset while transferring that made the outcome better or was it more of the fact that you were in a better academic program?</p>
<p>WVU is highly ranked in Landscape Architecture, I believe in the top 10. Check out the program website, I think only a limited number of students are accepted into the program each year, so being in a small program would make WVU feel more intimate to you. Talk to some of the profs in that department, and if you can some of the students. Since you know you’re going to be back at WVU for at least one more semester, use this time to really get to know your university so you know you’re making the right decision.</p>
<p>Here are the rankings from Design Intelligence:
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Degree Rankings:</p>
<p>1) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
2) Louisiana State University
3) Kansas State University
4) University of Georgia
5) Pennsylvania State University
6) Purdue University
7) Ball State University
8) Texas A&M University
9) Ohio State University
10) West Virginia University</p>
<p>Are any of the schools in the top 9 schools you are considering transferring to?</p>