I had a hard time in high school, and couldn’t drive due to a disability, so I wanted to go to a college with a lot to do, VCU- being in a city I assumed would be perfect. I had heard a lot of people talk negative about it, but I’d heard good things too, I didn’t think I wanted the traditional campus experience, since I din’t like the smaller campuses I visited, I for some reason, didn’t get into any colleges my first round of applications (suspect it might be because of an error with the new way my school submitted online student’s mid year grades but who knows), so I took a gap year and improved my SAT.
I applied again and got in, I was really happy, I went into first semester with a positive attitude, I had loved it on the two tours I’d taken. I didn’t like orientation but I assumed I’d figure it out, as time went on I realized there were no on campus events, no campus feel, a general vibe of students not liking being there, and it feels more like VCU is a company I work for, rather than a college. The facilities also aren’t the best, food is eh, and my dorm socially, sucks, these last ones are minor things but I thought I’d mention it. I don’t have any friends here, even though I’ve put myself out there a lot, nothing sticks, and that is subject to change if I keep at it, however the campus won’t
I actually quite like the city of Richmond! I might come back after I graduate, but I hate the college part of my college, I realize now I do want the traditional campus, because of my inability to drive I realize I have my whole life to live in the city. I applied for Virginia tech my second round of applications, (for some reason I thought it was too prestigious the first time) and was wait-listed, then they over enrolled freshman. Looking into it now I realize it has everything I want (except for the diversity of my current school, but not awful) I’ve really been struggling end of semester emotionally, I’ve talked to people and gone to campus counseling but nothing helps.
I think a good idea would be to go back home for spring semester, take online community college classes, get the best grades possible, and apply to be a sophomore in the fall. Cost would be the same. They also have my major. However, I’d feel ashamed to be back home again, I feel like I’d be disappointing my parents and making them look bad by being home again, after they were so happy for me getting into the school I wanted. I’m already 19 when my freshman class is mostly 17-18, I fee like I’m messing everything up, and I feel stupid that I was somehow so wrong about a college I was sure I would love, especially since I had an extra year to think about it, my mom is being really kind and encouraging and wants me to think about it some more. I still feel bad. My mom had a pillow with the school’s colors embroidered for me, make me wanna cry because she was so supportive.
I can’t see myself staying here for three more years, especially since I really haven’t had any moments I could say I’m glad to be here, and I don’t think I could get the grades needed to transfer if I stay for the spring (from emotional stress) Anyone with a similar experience or advice?