<p>I just started my freshman year at a top school. It's a very big school in an urban environment, and while there are some things that I really like about it, so far it hasn't been what I expected college to be. I've made some friends here, but they're not really people I have an instant connection with, and so I feel like I haven't really met people who are "like me." There isn't really a sense of community here either- its socially very fragmented, so I feel more like I'm living independently in a big city, instead of feeling like I belong to an active, unified college community.</p>
<p>I know that its still early on and things might change, but I'm wondering if I should think about transferring to the small, less selective liberal arts school (not urban, rural) that I turned down in the spring. I know the environment would be warmer and more accepting and that I'd probably meet a lot more people who I would just click with. I'm kind of a more creative type, interested in the arts, and it doesn't seem like my current school really fosters that a lot... whereas the liberal arts school is definitely a more artsy place...</p>
<p>Try to forget about the transfer question for the next few months, just concentrate on making friends, participating in school activities, making the best grades possible and getting to know your profs/TAs.</p>
<p>Wait until Thanksgiving break to sit down, assess your situation and make a decision about whether or not to apply for a transfer. If you decide to transfer and you've done all of the things in the first paragraph, you'll be in excellent shape for applications. You'll still have plenty of time to ask for LORs and fill out applications over Christmas for due dates in Feb and Mar.</p>
<p>I went to a city school and understand your assessment of the social life. It can be very much like living in the city and going to classes. I think you do have to make more of an effort to get involved in school activities to get to know the other students under these circumstances. On the other hand, you have a whole city to explore and your social life is not religated to only college students. If you are into the arts....go to the theater, the museums, the indie movies. Take advantage of all the city has to offer. Also look to see if your college has any groups, clubs or organizations geared toward your interests and get involved. If you still feel as though you want the campus and a more traditional college experience after your first year, then transfer.</p>