Transferring from University of Michigan

I am a current freshman at the University of Michigan, and I absolutely hate it. I came here really open-minded, despite my initial disinterest in the college, but I have sincerely reached my breaking point. When I applied as a senior in high school, I thought I wanted a school that balanced drinking and partying with school, but after being here, I now know that is not what I want. In high school I was a really big partier, and that is why I ultimately settled on Michigan (and I was rejected from my top choice), but now I am completely over the drinking scene-- to the point where I am begging to go home every weekend just to avoid game days. I am looking for colleges that are similar to Michigan academically, but are a lot smaller and where people do not drink as often. My number one choice in high school was Colby College, but I was rejected. I am looking for a school where students are devoted to their studies, but still like to have fun. I just do not want to be somewhere where the drinking culture dominates the school. I would love to transfer as soon as possible, but the only schools I am looking at who offer spring admission are Boston College, Boston University, Colby, and Middlebury. My absolute dream school is Dartmouth, but I did not apply in high school because I just assumed I would not get in. I am really looking for schools like Dartmouth, Middlebury, and Colby where I would fit in. I am not opposed to drinking in any sense, and a few drinks every few weekends seems like the most ideal situation. I just cannot handle the constant epidemic of people at Michigan getting drunk on Wednesday nights. I really need some guidance on where to apply, and what my chances are coming from UM. I am originally from Michigan, and I am looking to go exclusively somewhere on the East Coast. I have exhausted the Midwest, and after living here my entire life, I am in desperate need of a change. I really love the education I am getting here, but I cannot handle the drinking culture.

Drinking will probably get better as the semester goes on and as students get closer to exams. Also, when can you move off campus? Does Michigan have a dorm that is designated alcohol-free or “quiet”? Are you in a freshman dorm?

Are you okay being full-pay after you transfer?

I am thinking that your best bet might be to find a better living arrangement at Michigan.

You live in a freshman dorm where that is likely a chosen activity for many. Find some new friends and activities. I don’t think Dartmouth is going to have less drinking!

The grass may seem greener on the other side, but as @DadTwoGirls suggested, the problem may be your living arrangements. It is completely, 100% possible to get away from this “drinking culture” you’re seeing.

I agree with @DadTwoGirls - drinking/partying should die down after the first month with exams, and once football season ends. And the drinking scene is easy to avoid if that’s something you aren’t interested in. There are plenty of things to do on the weekend besides party. Is there anything else that is making you hate the university, besides the party scene?

If I were you, I’d personally try to wait it out a little bit longer before making a definite decision, since you’ve barely been there a month. Are there any extracurriculars/clubs you’d be interested in joining? That would be a good place to meet people like yourself. Maybe try joining an academically-oriented club, like one centered around your major or field of study. There are probably also clubs focused around volunteering that you could look into joining. You’d certainly meet like minded people that are serious about their studies in those type of groups. Things might get better for you if you try to get more involved in the non-partying activities available.

If your living arrangement is a serious issue, maybe look into moving into a new dorm if you think that would help.

If you are serious about transferring, do some serious research into where you would want to go, and maybe even look into touring the schools. Definitely keep your grades up and get involved in some way with extracurriculars to put on a transfer application. Personally, I’d think about waiting until next fall to transfer. Give it a little more time to see if things get better.