<p>Hello, </p>
<p>I am a current undergraduate transfer and I just wanted to share some information that I believe I would have benefited from in my decision to transfer. To start off with, I made the switch this year from a top ten liberal arts college to a top 15 university. My original college was very small, very rural, and a long journey from home (about a 10 hour travel day by plane). It was, however, my "dream school" when I was in high school. Several of my cousins and some other close family friends had attended the school and I had obsessed over it for several years. I applied early decision (although it was not actually necessary for my acceptance), and ignored everyone's warnings about it being too small, rural, and far from home. Once school began, I lived in the "best" dorm, was introduced to all the right people, and took all the right classes; however, I was absolutely miserable. After a horrible first semester, my parents had to force me back after Christmas break. Although I had chosen to explore a different path than most of my friends from HS, who attended schools closer to home, I hated being away from my friends and became all but depressed seeing them stay together on facebook and other social medias. I stopped trying at my school. I became fixated on the bad, and ignored the fact that I was at my dream school. Looking back at it, transferring was probably the best decision I could have made; however, I wish someone would of told me to enjoy what I had. I think everyone was just tiptoeing across the issue because I was unhappy. My advice to those looking to transfer now would be to try and enjoy your school. Transferring is A LOT harder than you might think it is. I am at a school closer to home, with couple of friends from high school, and it is still tough to make friends. I think that there is a reason most of us chose where we go to college and potential transfers need to remember that. I am happy at my new university, which is closer to home and to friends, but I am very much regretting not giving my all at my old university. Transferring should be a last resort. Happiness is a choice, so chose it. Sometimes transferring is the right choice; however, you never want to end up regretting your choice.</p>
<p>what college do you attend now? and where did u transfer from?</p>
<p>If it is all right I would rather keep that private. Both are top schools though, I did not transfer for any academic reasons.</p>
<p>ok well i dont get the point of what you are trying to say if we dont know where you go or where you wanted to go, its kinda pointless.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s pointless. I’m thinking of transferring, partially because of social/homesickness/ruralvsurban reasons, and partially because my school doesn’t offer what I’m interested in academically.</p>
<p>I think this post was a good warning. I am trying to be happy here, but we all can try a little harder.</p>
<p>I did not post this to offer any tips on transferring to a specific school, I did it so I could offer some advice to other students because I know how difficult the decision can be.</p>
<p>Transfer1357
Thank you for your post. I think it is really good information for people looking to transfer. My situation was a bit unique in that I knew I was going to a cc for the purpose of transferring to USC. I am happy to say I am a very happy sophomore at USC but I had a great year last year too. My cc was far from my dream school but I met incredible people there and I am very close to a number of them. I agree with you that attitude and choosing to be happy in your situation has a lot to do with outcome.<br>
I hope your new school situation turns out great!</p>
<p>I have a friend who is a guidance counselor. She has known many students who transferred schools. She told me that transferring is usually only a good idea if the reason is academic. Other issues, such as loneliness, difficulty making friends, depression, anxiety, tend to follow the student from place to place. And it’s usually a horrible idea to switch schools to be with a bf/gf. </p>
<p>Starting over at a new college means that you have missed the initial freshman social frenzy, when everyone is extremely open to meeting and befriending each other. Freshman dorm life is usually the biggest social opportunity. Many transfers don’t consider this, and are later disappointed that it is harder to meet people at their new school. </p>
<p>I totally agree with the OP. Transferring should not be taken lightly. And ideally, it’s best to thoroughly research and also visit your college before deciding to attend. It’s best to get it right on the first try if possible.</p>