So I initially applied ED to Rochester, which I am starting to think is a mistake. I didn’t do the indepth research on the surrounding environment and based my decision solely on the academics. Right now I am incredibly unhappy with the lack of social venues, lack of school spirit, lack of entertainment such as sports games and concerts, and miserable weather. I didn’t realize how much I would miss being in a lively city. I have only been here for a week but I am incredibly upset with what I have seen so far. Do you think it would be worth transferring to a school such as Northeastern or GW?
It’s barely been a week. You need to spend some time in any place rather than bolt because you feel unhappy or uncomfortable for a bit. So the answer is no. If over time, you find the place doesn’t fit you, then people do transfer. But it’s not sensible on a personal level and not a good plan in general to say, “I spent a week there and decided to leave.” Why would any other school admit someone who isn’t going to give a place a chance?
The Rochester MSA (metropolitan statistical area) has a million residents. The city – while apparently small compared to where you used to live – is large enough to have plenty of “social venues,” “entertainment,” “sports games” and “concerts,” not to mention more than a thousand restaurants. Things are probably just more spread out and hidden than you are accustomed to, so you will have to make an effort to find what you are looking for. You could start with websites like this one: http://www.visitrochester.com/index.cfm
Regarding the “miserable weather” – I can’t imagine that one week there can tell you it’s miserable. If you’re referring to the snowy winters, you knew that when you applied. Look at the fun side of it and find ways to enjoy the snow when it arrives. For example, you could get involved in the ski and snowboarding club at your university, and go on weekly trips with the club from winter to spring: https://ccc.rochester.edu/organization/recreationalskiandsnowboardclub/about
You could plan on studying abroad a year or co-oping to get far away from Rochester and experience another place for awhile during the next four years. In other words, there are options to transferring.
There are other freshmen from other colleges on CC right now complaining they also made the wrong decision and don’t fit in, are bored, etc etc, even when they are at universities in major cities and with big spectator sports. It’s possible this is just culture shock in your new setting and feeling out of place, which is perfectly normal. Give it some time, and also give it some effort, since smaller cities generally have their gems hidden rather than obvious when you arrive. Also explore what clubs you can get involved with to find like-minded students who’ve been there awhile and figured it all out, and know where to go and what to do.
Classes haven’t even started yet, so you haven’t really gotten a taste of what the “real Rochester” is yet. What exactly made you so miserable over the past few days? (It couldn’t have been the weather because that was pretty perfect during the time we were there.) Is it Rochester and environs or is it more of just getting used to a new place and new people in general?
You moved in less than a week ago. You suddenly found yourself in a new environment and haven’t had classes or school work to keep you busy, so you have a ton of time on your hands. It sounds like you are bored. Give it time. Now that classes are starting, you will be much busier. Join a club, participate. There are free concerts all the time at Eastman. Explore your new environment.
If you are still bored with UR at the end of the first (or second) semester, then leave. Don’t stay and complain. If you do, then you will be the one bringing the school spirit down.
My youngest son (not at UR - not even close) went to college last year with high expectations. He didn’t find his niche. Shortly after second semester started he told us he wanted to come home and do something else. He didn’t feel he fit in. We talked with him about transferring colleges - to try to finish that second semester and he could start somewhere else this year.
Second semester he found some really good friends and changed his major to something he really likes.
This year? We just got a call from him today telling us how much he loves it. Same school, but he’s adjusted now and that makes all the difference.
IMO, what you are experiencing is very much in the normal range for people. It’s common to want to leave something new and return to what you know. Like the others replying to this thread - and similar to what we told our son - try to finish out the year, not hiding in your room, but joining some clubs that look appealing - there are tons.
If you’re still thinking UR is not for you second semester, then look at transferring. Not every school is right for every person even if the academics match. However, you haven’t really given the school a chance. (I’d say this regardless of which school you were attending.) At this point, it’s very likely your nervous system responding in a completely normal way to something new. Later on - a semester later - you’ll know if it’s really you. Regardless, you’re better off having given a new place a try rather than just running away.
ps If you’re feeling really down, talk with someone IRL - student services or your RA or someone. That’s also common and finding a good listener you can vent to often helps relieve stress. The vast majority of us adults have someone we can vent to (friend, co-worker, spouse, etc). Tackling life alone can be the pits.
“Right now I am incredibly unhappy with . . . the miserable weather.”
Cooler, more comfortable weather will arrive in the fall.
Chaplin100. You are right Rochester is not going to be like Boston but there are many many kids from Boston at UR
so you are not alone in adjusting to a different city. Rochester definitely has cultural events, you’ve heard of Eastman, and there are many coffee houses in town. I often look in this paper to see what all is happening http://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com
The Fringe Festival is coming Sept 17-26 and you probably could volunteer to help which would get you out meeting other new people interested in these type of activities. Here is where you volunteer http://rochesterfringe.com/help-out/volunteer
There are also concerts at the Main Street Armory if you want to get off campus.
http://rochester.eventful.com/concerts
UR is not sports school so you are right there. But there are plenty of sports you can do as a participant instead of an observer. You can also go over to RIT and watch a hockey game in Nov/Dec which they are pretty well known for. so I imagine there is a lot school spirit. Post on the Class of 2019 FB page if anyone wants to go with you. UR students go to the Red Barn at RIT to rock climb all the time. Its okay to over there.
I would also keep an eye on the FB page for when others post that they are looking for someone to go somewhere, say yes, even if you aren’t dying to go.
You are waiting for something to come to you and make you feel better but it looks like you are going to have to reach out of your comfort zone to find things that you want to do.
In my son’s first year he roomed with a student he never got along with so instead he spent time with the students on the 3rd floor of his dorm. There he met the students he is still friends with in his Sr year now and has remained good friends with them all.
You may have to work more than you would have hoped to find a group of students you click with and activities you enjoy.