Unhappy at McGill

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>Hello,
I am currently an undergraduate student at McGill University going into my second year. I am a Canadian citizen but completed the IB program in the USA. Because of this, McGill gave me credit for my freshman year so I can complete my Bachelors in three years instead of four.</p>

<p>In addition to the fact that they would give me tons of college credit, when I applied to McGill I thought it was my dream school. It's a reputable university in the amazing city of Montreal, not to mention that the nightlife is great since the legal age is 18.</p>

<p>However, my first year at McGill was not what I expected at all. Even though it's a good school and the professors are very knowledgeable, the social scene is something that I find hard to get used to. Don't get me wrong, I love to have fun with my friends and go out and stuff, but I feel like that is all the kids here like to do. Alcohol/Drugs/Sex were the only topic of conversation at the "Harvard of Canada." When I finished taking my finals in April, I thought about it and found that I don't have much in common with most of the kids I met (or in my dorm I should say - because the school is too big to meet people anywhere else) and I haven't made any real friends. Plus, the activity or student-organization/club life isn't a big deal here.</p>

<p>All my life I've heard that the friends you make in college are the ones that stick with you forever; the ones that'll be in your wedding...But I haven't met anybody at McGill that I'd consider that good of friends.</p>

<p>And on top of that - You only live in the dorms for your first year at McGill and everybody gets an apartment afterwards. I'm one of the few people in my dorm that chose to live on my own this coming year.</p>

<p>So my question is: Should I transfer to another university or should I tough it out at McGill?</p>

<p>After all, I only have 2 years left until I graduate....but still, the idea of not making any real friendships really bothers me. I'm far from home and family so I'd like to have some people close to me in Montreal.</p>

<p>Let me know what you guys think.</p>

2

<p>To which universit(ies) would you consider transferring?? It is difficult to answer your question without knowing what your alternatives might be. Also, if you haven’t yet begun the process of transferring and you can’t transfer until next term or even next year, then it may make even less sense at that point.</p>

<p>McGill is a large university, and you do have to ‘put yourself out there’ in order to make connections, just like any large university. However, after having been there for a year, I imagine you are aware of this. As far as clubs/student organizations ‘not being a big deal’ - whether or not they are a ‘big deal’ or not shouldn’t matter - they do exist!! If you find one you are interested in, join it! You only need to meet one or two people you connect with in order to feel more comfortable. Do you play sports? My daughter, who is also a second year at McGill, joined quite a few intramural sports teams (soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, etc.) and met quite a few people that way, including ones outside of her dorm. It is a good way to meet people. She also keeps busy going to the gym, doing some stuff for the McGill Tribune, etc. Not to mention her studies ;)</p>

<p>I am sure you are aware of all of this, and I don’t want to sound like I am “cheerleading” for McGill. If you are unhappy, you should at least look in to other options. My D does have a few friends who did not return to McGill after their first year, for various reasons, most related to boyfriend/girlfriend issues or missing family. You have to do what feels best!!</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

3

<p>Hopefully you will be immersed in your department with your upper level classes and find people with the same academic interest in common. for starters. Some people just take longer than other to find their people.</p>