Should i tranfer?

I currently am a freshman at UT Austin in my second semester here. But being here alone and 4 hours from family and friends is really taking a toll on me mentally. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to tranfer to The university of Houston? It’s 35 min from my home so I would be close to the people I love. But UH is not as good of a school as UT is I hear so I’m scared I’m going to make the wrong choice if I tranfer. I am going to college to be a geologist currently. If I go to UH I would save a lot of money seeing as how I wouldn’t have to pay for dorms anymore. But I’m very conflicted on what I should do. Being here in Austin without my friends and family is really making me depressed and less passionate about my dreams of being a geologist. Does any one have any advice for me on what I should do? Thanks

If you aren’t happy, you won’t do well in school. UT Austin is great school, specially for a major that is research oriented. Getting involved in activities/organizations can help you cope with homesickness. You can also consider taking couple semesters off to be better prepared mentally to be away from friends and family, then return. If you don’t see that happening soon then you should transfer. Nothing is more important than your health. You won’t be able to pursue your passion if you are unhealthy.
That being said, you are going to have to put in the extra effort if you decide to transfer to UH. UT Austin is one of best schools in the nation, and you are obviously academically talented enough to attend UT Austin. Unfortunately, others can’t recognize that potential unless you prove it to them. This is important for your career and livelihood.

Do your friends go to school at UT Houston or are they only home during breaks?

What have you done to get involved at UT Austin?

4 hours doesn’t seem that far to me. Can you go home for the weekend more or have your parents come down to you in Austin? Go visit your friends or have them come to see you?

i can’t come down most weekends because bus fair is expensive. None of my friends or family can visit me up here either due to work schedules and money. And none of my friends or family attend UH or UT. I have a few friends at UT and have been to some events but i haven’t been able to really feel happy here unfortunately.

If your friends don’t go to UH, keep in mind that when you are home, they wont be the majority of the time. It won’t be like it was when you were in high school.

I also think it can be more challenging to fit in to a new school not only as a transfer, but as a commuter.

What do your parents think about you transferring?

Keep your grades up this semester.
You may be too late to transfer to UH and the school is quite competitive.
There are plenty of UT transfers in the upper level ranks at UH but you should get involved on campus no matter where you attend.
The summer is coming up so maybe you can take some CC classes next fall and reassess?