<p>I just got an acceptance letter for transfer to Rice today.</p>
<p>At first I was really excited. I'd really like to go to Rice! I still am excited. But slowly as I've thought about the acceptance the reality has sunk in that I'd be moving to a place that is at least a ten hour drive from where I'm currently at. If I transfer to Rice, I won't know anybody at first.</p>
<p>Although I feel that I'm not able to complete all my academic designs at my current school, I have been good friends with my roommate since I was a freshman in high school. Now that the opportunity to transfer is real and not just a distant possibility, I'm hesitant to leave such a solid friendship for an academically superior school at which I will know nobody.</p>
<p>If I were more outgoing socially I wouldn't be as worried, but I will be the first to say that I am shy and I find making friendships difficult. It would be a very interesting experience to say the least moving to a new city ten hours away knowing nobody. If I was certain right now that I'd be able to make good friends at Rice and always have someone to eat lunch and dinner with (for example), then I doubt I'd even be writing this. I'm writing this because I'm afraid there's a possibility I might not make such friends. Another point that worries me is that I'd be transferring into Rice this January, and even if I get into a dorm (my preference for socialization purposes) I'm afraid that the "friend groups" may have already formed and will not so easily allow someone new (me) to join.</p>
<p>Has anybody here been in a similar decision? I understand that only I can decide what's best for me, but I'd be really, really grateful to hear others' thoughts on this. :D </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>well im going to transfer somewhere “far away” from home myself, but I could care less about not knowing anyone. My main concern is money.</p>
<p>in fact, the ONLY concern I have is how I will pay for it. Im desperate to find a good school with some generous aid/grants for students from poor families.</p>
<p>To answer your question more throughly somehow in american society, a myth, which ludicrously states that in college there exists a critical period for forming relationships, exists. For the party being introduced, you, this idea is perpetuated by a self-fulfilling prophecy.</p>
<p>Be yourself, have fun, study hard, and most of all be yourself.</p>
<p>One suggestion is that you take advantage of every single orientation session and opportunity to socialize that is offered by the Transfer office. If Rice doesn’t have a formal transfer orientation program, volunteer to help set one up. This will give you a chance to meet other students in your situation and will help smooth your transition to the new school.</p>
<p>You also need to think of extracurricular activities that you enjoy that you can continue to participate in at Rice. You can also take up a new one that you just haven’t tried yet. Many parents would recommend Theater. There is so much work to be done for every production (advertising, costumes, set construction, etc.) that new people are almost always welcome.</p>
<p>Good luck at Rice!</p>
<p>next year ill also be going somewhere far away from home. My boyfriend will be just 30/45 minutes away but besides that and a girl I know through my website networking job who also attends the school I won’t know a soul. That hasn’t really bothered me yet… going to a school in a city I’ve never even been to (but ill In January… Chicago)… but maybe it’s because I havent gotten my official letter yet haha Maybe then it will sink in… or maybe not till this summer… ahh now im getting nervous!</p>
<p>Im worried about money too 
so expensive</p>
<p>Just know that there will be a lot of new people in the same situation… make it fun 
good luck!</p>