<p>Well, let me start from the beginning. Last year I was a high school senior, with a multitude of college options to choose from. Wake Forest was my top choice, but money didn't work out. I grew up a DIE HARD Duke fan. I still can't make myself pull against them (or for the Heels). Anyways, I decided to come to UNC because of the prestige, and I fell in love with the campus. Needless to say, my Freshman year hasn't gone as planned. I've done everything I know to do, but I haven't been able to find my "niche." I've joined clubs, picked up a work-study job, tried to make friends on my residence hall, nothing seems to work. I'm not a big partier, so I haven't hit up any frats or anything like that. I've worked hard, and my GPA is definitely respectable to have taken 17 credit hours in my first semester here at UNC. Anyways, a lot is going on back at home (Asheboro, NC). I try not to complain too much about my situation, because I know there are other things to worry about. My Grandpa is currently battling cancer, and over Christmas break, my Great Grandma had 3 strokes and is in a local rest home. I just can't seem to make myself happy here, and I've filled out transfer applications to UNCG, Va Tech, and NC State. However, I feel like I need to go to UNCG considering it's proximity to home, and most of my good high school friends are there. I just don't know what to do, the academic disparity between the schools is what's killing me. I just don't know if I could handle knowing that I could have gotten a degree from Chapel Hill, but instead transferred to Greensboro, although I know I would be happier there. Part of me says that someone else would enjoy UNC more than I am, and that I should free up a spot for them. If anyone could give me some advice on the situation, I would greatly appreciate it.</p>
<p>What specifically is making you unhappy at Carolina? It sounds like you’re doing great (clubs, work-study job, 17 credit hours, good GPA). I don’t think you should give up on UNC yet. It takes longer than a semester to find a “niche”, and I think if you give it a little more time, you’ll find that there’s definitely a place for you. Of course, I may just be biased because most seniors from my high school end up enrolling there. :P</p>
<p>I’ve made friends, but not many good, solid friends that you can call up and hang out with on the weekends. Most of my friends from high school that came here with me either aren’t my friends anymore (ex gf) or I never see them because they’re going home nearly every weekend. I just wish I had the passion for UNC that everyone around me does, and I don’t know if that will ever happen. It’s just been hard, and I feel like with everything going on at home, I might be better suited to go to UNCG. I’m trying to make the most of things, but I don’t know how much longer I’m willing to keep trying.</p>
<p>This might not be exactly the help you’re looking for, but I’m in the same situation at you. I’m in my first year at Appalachian State, and I’m just not as happy as I thought I would be. I’m actually considering transferring to UNC. In the end though, I feel like college should be more than just the academia, it should be about making memories. If you’re not happy where you are, change it. Especially if you’re planning on going to graduate school, undergrad doesn’t matter as much.</p>
<p>While I do love UNC, I’m having similar problems. I’ve been able to explore my passions but haven’t found my niche. I do have a few close friends, but I don’t have any type of group - I switched dorms after first semester because it was not social at all. Like people said, it really does take longer than a semester to figure things out. I had an extremely rough transition period during the middle of first semester, and the only reason I was able to pull through was because my boyfriend helped me through. </p>
<p>I’m really sorry for your family situation, and I’m obviously not going to say you should definitely stay here if that is the main reason for you wanting to transfer. Personally, yeah the academic disparity would be too much for me. A degree from Chapel Hill in addition to the alumni connections can be a huge boost. </p>
<p>Am I overall content to be here? Yes. I’m excited for my classes and clubs and whatnot. Am I happy socially? No. I almost dread weekends, and I’ve used my boyfriend far too much as a social crutch. I feel like everybody has their own group of friends already that I can’t be a part of. However, I do think that can change. I’m currently talking about rooming with a girl next year who wants a new roommate so she can go out and meet new people. Despite looking super happy and part of a group in her facebook pictures, she doesn’t feel like she’s found her group yet either.</p>
<p>However, like meaghanj said, if you’re planning on going to grad school, it isn’t as big of a deal. But if it’s mainly social issues that you’re not happy with, I would suggest waiting a little longer before deciding.</p>