Transferring seems daunting...advice?

<p>I'm not happy at my current school. I don't have any close friends, and my university is very research-oriented. Before I went to school, I thought I would enjoy an urban campus, but now I feel like I would prefer a more traditional campus setting. I also think I would prefer a liberal arts school, rather than such a huge research university.</p>

<p>There are a lot of schools I would prefer (ones in warmer climates, for instance), but the schools I prefer aren't necessary the ones I can afford. I also have already settled in here--I have an apartment, a job, etc.--and I'm not sure if it's worth even trying to transfer, or if I should just stick it out for the lsat 2.5 years at my school.</p>

<p>Transferring itself seems daunting--it looks like a lot of different requirements--letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc. </p>

<p>I'm also worried about money. The college I attend is already too expensive for me, and I already have loans. A lot of the schools I feel I may be happier at are more expensive than the school I attend now. I feel like I can't find a school that is affordable and also has the attributes I want in a college.</p>

<p>I had a terrible guidance counselor in high school, and I'm a first-generation student, so I feel I lacked the guidance to make a better choice for where to attend my freshman year, and now I'm suffering the consequences.</p>

<p>Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm really not happy, but I feel like I'm stuck here. Is there anywhere I can go or someone I can talk to about the transfer process? Anyone have any advice for me, or have stories about transferring themselves?</p>

<p>Honestly, if you won’t be happy at this school for 2.5 years, then transfer. I wouldn’t want to go to school at a place that I don’t like. A lot of college freshman realize this during their first year. Many transfer either after their first semester or after their first year. </p>

<p>I would talk to your academic adviser. He or she knows the process for transferring better than any of us, and he or she probably has had many people transfer either to that campus or to another campus. You’re paying for his or her services, so take advantage of that.</p>

<p>If you’re worried about money, I’m sure you can find some type of work wherever you decide to go. Just be happy with what you choose.</p>