Transferring back . . . maybe?

Hi all, I decided to sign up for college confidential because I could really use some advice. I’ve never heard of anyone doing this but I am thinking about transferring back to my old college. I’m going to be a sophomore at my current college but I am starting to have some doubts. My freshman year I started out at Rutgers University but I felt very uncomfortable there and had a lot of issues going on that I won’t get into… so long story short I transferred after only one semester. For the spring semester I decided to go to a different college in the state that is a lot smaller and not nearly as well known. At first I was happy to transfer because it was such a different environment. The school was much smaller, I knew a lot of people from high school, and I just felt more comfortable all around. However, after a few weeks I started to regret my decision. Now all I can think about is that I made myself miss out on a good opportunity and didn’t allow myself enough time to adjust to college life all because I couldn’t deal with my anxiety during that transitioning period as a new college student.

Looking back now, the things that I had issues with that first semester seem so stupid to transfer over and I can fully admit that I was not mature enough to deal with a college like Rutgers. However, now that I was able to take a step back from the situation and reevaluate myself, I feel like I should go back. The program that I am interested in at Rutgers is much better, the school itself is just better academically all around, and I feel like I would be getting my money’s worth (in the job market after graduation) if I went back.

I’m also concerned that I will have a difficult time finding a job if I stay at this lesser-known college.

I am doing very well academically at this other school, I have a 4.0, but I feel like I am not being challenged nearly as much as I should be. My question is whether or not I should do this. I know it’s not a very traditional college situation but I want to make the most out of these short four years. I just want to be proud of my alma mater and I don’t want to have any regrets over my college decisions.

People change their minds as they grow and mature. It happens.
You now have a different perspective on what you’re looking for in both the short and long-term.
It also sounds like you know what the right path is, but that you’re a bit embarrassed that it will shine a spotlight on your earlier hasty decision. Do what’s best for you and your education, not other peoples potential opinions.