<p>I'd like to transfer to UMich for Spring (summer) 2013 or Fall 2013 semester as a second semester sophomore or as a junior. I hail from Western Michigan University and I am currently finishing up my freshman year. My question is directed toward those of you who have already successfully transferred. Academic statistics aside, how was it adjusting to a previously unfamiliar social environment?
At first I was excited when I started at Western because it was an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. However, despite a tireless effort, I have made very few friends here in Kalamazoo, and I'm really not that weird. I am convinced that I don't belong here and Ann Arbor will provide refuge.
Although Ann Arbor is wonderful, I still worry I won't find a social niche.
To give you some perspective, I enjoy big schools, live music, friendly people and shiny things. I do not enjoy fraternities or sports (although I won't hesitate to join my friends to a big football game). Western has failed to support these interests. I realize that none of you know me personally and that this isn't much help.
Can you relate? What was your experience like? Please share any relevant thoughts below. I'm also looking into Michigan State, Indiana, NYU, Syracuse, and maybe WUSTL.
Thanks!</p>
<p>WMU isn’t that much different than UM, Kalamazoo has great things to offer just like AA. I’m sorry to break your bubble/preconceived thoughts about UM, but even if you successfully transfer for the sake of the social scene, it won’t be that much different than WMU.</p>
<p>Thanks, dollarbill. I appreciate that, and by no means am I underestimating all of the great things that Kalamazoo has to offer. To suggest that one town is more advantageous than the other would be foolish. I’m simply stating my preferences. I also failed to mention that the social scene is not a primary motivator in my recent decision to transfer, but that’s irrelevant. I understand that transferring is a difficult thing to do, and this my attempt at searching for ways to make that process less difficult.</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I’m not familiar with WMU, but I transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill (very similar school to UMich Ann Arbor in every aspect… student body, college town, etc.) from a smaller, private school. Here is what I found… on a campus with a large student body, there is much more diversity and it can be easier to find your niche. Only setback for you is that you’re a transfer and you have to work even harder to make friends because everyone already has their core group of friends. </p>
<p>Also, if you want to have a social life at a large-public school like UM or UNC, you really need to have a certain personality. You cannot be shy, you have to outgoing and very personable. You need to go for something and not expect it to come to you. What do I mean by this? Be friendly in classes, join clubs that interest you and make friends that way.</p>
<p>Hope all of this information helps!</p>