I’ve been thinking about this huge decision to transfer for the past 2 months. For reference, you could look back at my recent forums so you know my current situation. As of right now, I have no plans of coming back to ucsb after this quarter, I’ve registered for classes at my local community college and have a better idea of what career I want to pursue. After I registered for classes at my new college, I felt more motivated because I feel I am going to school for a purpose now, and not to mention, also saving lots of money. However, I’m scared that people from home will think “I couldn’t handle being at a UC” or just judge me and I know I shouldn’t care but it’s hard not to. I still don’t feel happy with myself here. I HATE coming back to school if I ever go home for the weekend, like I HATE it and I don’t want to feel like that for the next 4 years. I’ve made great friends here and I know i’m going to miss them, but I could always come visit, I just hope I’m making the right decision. It’s not very common that UC students transfer to a CC 
Just looking for some words of encouragement before I make this huge decision.
My D had a friend who transferred from her “dream” school to one closer to home after her freshman year. She just told people she got a lot out of her year, and was glad for her experience, but she felt she could get just as much out of her new school and spend a fraction of the money. And actually, she ended up thriving after her transfer, graduated early and is just starting a job she’s super excited about. It was absolutely the right decision.
What you’re doing is smart and courageous. You shouldn’t go down a path that isn’t right for you because you are afraid of people judging you. If people ask why you transferred just say something similar to my D’s friend, OR just say you hated it there and it seemed like a waste of money to continue there. Say you’re excited about your decision and ready to move forward. If you act confident about your decision, then other people will be happy for you. And if people judge you, it’s their problem. No one will care after the dust settles! Trust me, there are a lot of students out there wishing they had the courage you do!
All you have to say is you want to go to a different UC.
I left UC Berkeley and I just tell people I didn’t like it and it was too expensive. This is a very common phenomenon and I’ve found most don’t pry