<p>Hi everyone. I'm a Freshman attending UIUC currently. Over the past few months I have decided that I really don't like it here. The college campus itself isn't very appealing to me, though the outside towns of Urbana and Champaign are pretty nice and even slightly reminiscent of home. However, they are very hard to get to without a car. The campus itself looks alright from the outside, but many of the buildings (save a select few) are in very poor condition inside. Also, many classes are huge, given this is a large state school, and teachers tend to have huge egos and are more focused on their research. The Business school (which I am a part of) has a very egotistical aura in terms of both students and teachers. The overall social environment is very Greek-life oriented, etc...Anyways, I want to transfer out.</p>
<p>However, I'm not sure what I want to do. I want to be closer to home in the Chicago suburbs, because I love my hometown and have a very tight relationship with my family, and oftentimes being away from them makes me unhappy and regretful. I am not sure which college would fit me, so this is where I need help. What are some good colleges to consider in the Chicagoland area for someone like me? I don't plan on joining frats, I'm not a drinker, I enjoy athletic activity, and would prefer smaller classes where it is easier to make friends. Can you guys help me weigh the pros/cons of some options I should consider? I am not very good at these types of things and don't want to make the wrong decision again. Are these good options to consider, or are there others I do not know of?</p>
<ol>
<li> DePaul University (would taking the train everywhere for classes be annoying?)</li>
<li> Lewis University</li>
<li> Northwestern University</li>
<li> Trinity Christian</li>
<li> UIC - University of Illinois-Chicago</li>
<li> Wheaton College</li>
<li> Remain at UIUC</li>
</ol>
<p>P.S. - I could see myself doing Business (Accounting) or Physical Therapy/Exercise Science as a major.</p>
<p>berikson, your situation is not uncommon. Lots of students attend a college or university and then transfer before they graduate. I work at one of the schools you mentioned (with transfer students) and often students in your situation can still graduate in 4 years, especially with the majors you listed. I always encourage campus visits, but know that can be tough while in school. </p>
<p>Based on what you wrote above though, I think you’d like it here. Not putting other schools down, just think our small classes, the major you want, and the family-like atmosphere on campus would be right up your alley. I’m also an alum and can tell you that what you see is what you get, it’s not just for show. You can check out more at <a href=“Transferring to Trinity - The Best College to Transfer To”>http://www.trnty.edu/transfers/ts/transfersteps.html</a> or feel free to keep the conversation going. </p>
<p>If you do transfer, will you be commuting from home, or living on campus? </p>
<p>You can’t be an undergrad business major at Northwestern. If I recall, they do offer a business certificate program. However, I don’t think doing that would get you ready for the CPA exam. Check on that though. Otherwise, you may want to scratch that off your list. I don’t think Wheaton offers a business /accounting degree either. </p>
<p>I am unfamiliar with Trinity or Lewis so I cannot comment on them at all. </p>
<p>If you are strongly considering business, I’d steer you towards DePaul. You may want to consider Loyola too. </p>
<p>I know from your other thread that you are not into the greek/partying scene. If you are going to be living on campus, I do think whether there are frats or not, you will experience some degree of drinking at the schools you have listed, with the exception of Wheaton. If you are living on/near campus, though, DePaul is in a great location IMO, if you want to do other things in the city! </p>
<p>DePaul seems appealing. However, I have some qualms about transportation between campuses (since business classes are in the Loop), as well as meeting people. Is it harder to meet people in the city? </p>
<p>Well I agree that the going back and forth to the loop might take some getting used to. </p>
<p>I’m not sure if I can answer your question about meeting people. IMO, I think it has less to do with the city itself and more to do with the person. Making new friends is a concern for transfer students at any school. I think the ease or difficulty will depend on several things such as whether you live on or near campus or commute from home, your personality, and your willingness to put yourself out there, try new things, and keep trying if things don’t work out at first. On the plus side, DePaul does admit a large number of transfers. So, there will be a lot of you starting off in the same boat, and all will want to meet new people! On the negative side, I think most upperclassmen at DePaul live off campus. Having people spread out in apartments might make it harder as you won’t have that normal day to day dorm life interaction. You may want to post in the DePaul page and ask for feedback from someone who has actually transferred to the school. I would also try to visit any school you are strongly considering. </p>
<p>Would you need to commute to DePaul, or would you live on campus? If I recall correctly, there is a residence near their loop campus that houses students from Roosevelt, Columbia, and DePaul. Look into that. When Happykid was applying for transfer to Columbia, we toured that building and it looked like it would be a lively community. Even though each suite housed students from the same institution, they shared a cafeteria, recreation rooms, etc.</p>
<p>I vote for DePaul, on campus the first year there, at least. Hopping the subway is easy-peasey. Treat the entire city as your campus. You’ll find your tribe. </p>