Should I transfer?

Transfer Students
1

I am currently a student at a large state school in Massachusetts and I am heavily considering transferring to a school closer to home (I live 8 hours away from my school) and was wondering if I could get some advice. I am currently a second-semester sophomore and simply do not feel like I have found my place on campus and I regret going so far from home. My family is originally from New York but moved to Maryland after I graduated High School so I left my high school friends in NY behind and never got a chance to make friends in Maryland. I have been dealing with depression and anxiety since college began and my depression has gotten very very bad the past couple of months and in times like these, I just want to be with my family and friends. I’m seeing a therapist and trying to make lifestyle changes but I have been struggling to get better. Hence why I am considering transferring closer to home.

I do have some friends here at my college and a really great boyfriend of a year but besides my boyfriend, I have not made any deep or valuable friendships which has been hard for me since growing up I always had good friends and an amazing best friend (they’re all still in NY and we keep in touch) and I miss feeling that connection. However, I do like the education I am getting here and I really like my major/minor and I would not be able to do the same major and minor and get the same opportunities I have here at every school.

I know some girls in a sorority and there is a chance I could rush next semester as a junior or join more clubs and things could improve but honestly at this point idk if I want things to get better. Part of me just wants to start over and get the chance to make friends where my family lives in Maryland. What is your opinion?

2

“honestly at this point idk if I want things to get better.”

It’s good you are being honest, but the way I read this is “I don’t want to try.” I also get the feeling that you will feel regret if you give up the positive things about your school. If you move home and commute to college, it’s hard to make friends as a commuter. You’ll be giving up a boyfriend, classes you enjoy, a major you want to pursue, and the potential to meet others at your current college.

As for deep and valuable relationships, they take time. How long have you known your friends in NY? Years, I’m guessing. And how long have you known the friends you have at college? Maybe a year. Give it a little more time.

Are you seeing a counselor on campus? That is why they are there. Make an appointment now. You can do something about your situation that isn’t as drastic as leaving college. And of course, talk to your parents. They will want to help you.

3

"I have been dealing with depression and anxiety since college began and my depression has gotten very very bad the past couple of months and in times like these, I just want to be with my family and friends. "

What you need to be doing now, is getting help with the depression. You have made a good start by finding a counselor where you are.

Remember that you have options other than transferring. You can take a semester (or more) off from college entirely, and return to studies at your current university or a different one when you are ready for that.