So I am a sophomore right now at Rutgers University in NJ. I made the difficult decision to transfer from the University of Maryland last year after having a very rough first semester. There were a lot of reasons that contributed to me having not the best first impression of the school but I made the decision to start looking at other opportunities over winter break. Also, I was in undecided and know that I want to do a business major. I would have had one chance to apply into UMD’s business school, but instead decided to apply directly into Rutgers,’ knowing that I will be guaranteed the degree I want.
My second semester at Maryland was much better and I had a great routine for myself. However, I feel like I was allowing my experience from the first semester dictate the way I felt about the school as my time went on. I was very stubborn and close-minded. When the day came that I had to leave, I truly did not want to go home. I was very comfortable with my life there.
Now, I have been at Rutgers for just 3 days and classes start tomorrow and all I have been thinking about since getting here was what would have happened if I stayed at Maryland. I feel like I felt obligated to make this decision and should have given Maryland a better chance with a more open mind. I really don’t know what to do and can not stop thinking about this! Any advice would be appreciated.
This is where you learn from the past and make a decision to re-write the ending! You gave up on UMd too fast, but now you have the opportunity to make Rutgers work- which you will do by willing it to happen. You throw yourself into activities, you look on the bright side of everything. And when there are rainy days (which there will be!), you remind yourself that every.single.path has its puddles and you will get through it.
You aren’t the same you as this time last year: trust the maturity & experience that you have gained over the last year and put it to good use: make the most of the do-over you have given yourself.
Enjoy Rutgers & make it the college experience that you want it to be.
Both of these universities are very good. You can do very well with a degree from Rutgers (and I have worked with many people who did exactly that).
You are at Rutgers now. You are at a very good university. My suggestion is that you work hard in your classes, participate in some clubs or activities that you enjoy, and make the most of the great school that you are at.
The trick is to make the best of where you’re at. You’re in a great school and you’re guaranteed the major you want, which is not easy to do sometimes. Look forward.
I’m going through the same thing! I just transferred to Rutgers and now I don’t know if I like it. I feel like my decision was rash and I wish I had given my old school more time. I also feel like I haven’t made any friends here and I want to transfer back to my old school.
you two should meet for a coffee…
Also important to note: I was at UMD with an undecided major. However, I plan to major in business. I was unsure if I would get admitted into Maryland’s business school and after lots and lots of debate (as you can see I am an overthinker) I decided to apply to Rutgers as I knew I would be in the business school here, which is also very good. So that’s another reason why I’m stuck.
Here’s where you consciously make a choice: you can see it as ‘stuck’ or as being in a great place where you are are sure to get the course you want.