Taking Time off Before I transfer - Good idea or not?

Hey fellow humans

I am currently attending Hunter College for my third semester, but have recently decided that I want to transfer to another school. Ideally, I would like to transfer for Fall 2017, as I would likely be changing locations and would prefer to begin my new life in my new environment with a big wave of students going through the same experience as me. However, I really do not want to complete another semester at Hunter, and would like to take the Spring 2017 semester off to travel and work abroad - I have been looking into some work-away options in India.

People generally tell me to finish the year, but another unhappy semester just seems counter-productive. School has become unbearable for me, particularly because I am currently commuting. I am getting good grades but don’t think I am going to class everyday for the right reasons. Nowadays I am seemingly just forcing myself to study just for the grade, and not the learning process and experience. I want to transfer to a school with an actual campus that doesn’t consist of a student base that is 98% commuters who just want a degree, so that I can engage with fellow students and have a more balanced social/academic life. I have been looking at a variety of schools but have not decided which yet.

Would taking time off hurt my chances for transferring in Fall 2017?

Info about me;

Credits (by end of this semester); 44 (15 credits of my intended major)
College GPA; 3.7
Highschool GPA; 2.9
SAT; 2080 (CR-710,M-690,W-680)
Extracurriculars; Intern for Clinton Foundation, English Teacher Assistant in Cartagena, Colombia, Have worked in various deli’s and a fish market. Played soccer at a competitive level my whole life. Took a gap year after highschool and travelled for 8 months throughout Asia and South America.
Intended Major; Philosophy
Current Status; Roosevelt Scholar in third Semester at Hunter College

Thank you for any advice or opinion offered!

Take the leave of absence at the end of this semester. That way you can return if you decide to.

While you are on the leave, apply to other places and see where you get in and if any of those are affordable.