<p>I am not happy at Notre Dame. Socially, the school is not what I am looking for. I work much too hard in my current major, don't get the grades that I study for, have virtually no time to go out, and as a result, have an extremely limited friend group as the university is so clique-y. Also, although I am catholic, the conservative nature and rules of the school are causing me to question much of my religion. </p>
<p>My question is, if you all were in my predicament, would you stick it out to graduate with a Notre Dame degree, or would you transfer to a less prestigious university where you could potentially have more fun and make the most of your four years? </p>
<p>College is supposed to be the best four years of your life, and I am so torn about what to do.</p>
<p>what are you majoring in? If it’s engineering it’s like that anywhere you go, and if it’s not you’re doing it wrong. Life gets harder.</p>
<p>Agree with Biodomer, esp if your major is engineering. It will be difficult no matter which school you attend.</p>
<p>Are you a freshman? Sometimes, freshman year can be quite an adjustment. Do you have a peer mentor? Perhaps talking to your RA might help as well.</p>
<p>College is tough…and can be quite an adjustment. Good Luck!</p>
<p>I understand that academics will be hard. That’s why I came to a school like this. But I absolutely hate it socially. I don’t understand why I would stay if the social aspect of the school is something I actively dread, except to get that diploma. That’s why I’m asking, not to be lectured about how particular majors are hard.</p>
<p>If you are as unhappy as you sound, then you should transfer. The social aspect and structure of Notre Dame is the way it is, you either like it or you don’t. Many students go to Notre Dame because of the way it is (i.e. parietals, conservative student body, Catholic values).</p>
<p>Just like when you get married, you shouldn’t pick a spouse(or a college) and expect to change them.</p>
<p>I am sure there is a school out there where you will be happy with the social scene. </p>
<p>Honestly, the previous posters were just trying to help you, no need to be so snippy.</p>
<p>Please, please please do not blame yourself. Sometimes it takes a while to realize that the atmosphere of a school is not what you wanted. </p>
<p>I know so many students at colleges- from Grove City to Northwestern - that are unhappy - it is not you necessarily. Notre Dame is a school where 25% of its class is made up of recruited athletes and it is filled with legacies. I’m sure it is super challenging academically, our tour guide this summer said as much. There are so many reasons it is not working out. Focus on the solution, not the problem. </p>
<p>Spend your time finding a school where you can catch your breath; one that has a blend of an academic and social atmosphere where you will thrive.</p>
<p>I was also in a tough major at ND and at first I had a tough time socially as well. My first year was very unhappy in a lot of ways. After having stuck it out myself, I can honestly say the happiest days of my life were at ND. I had to learn how to work hard and have a life. It’s a skill which still benefits today. I don’t know enough about you to say where our situations are the same and where they are different in detail, but I do know I am happy I chose to stay. My ND degree means I am instantly a part of a community anywhere I go. It holds weight and recognition all over the world. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. You should know that many majors (especially the hard ones) change dramatically after the first year. The people who don’t want to be there (ie, the miserable and worthless group mates) switch majors. Your classes start getting into more exciting material. You can start exploring internships and research and really apply what you’re learning in the classroom. I wouldn’t switch unless you’re absolutely certain it’s what you want. Prestige is not a good reason to be miserable.</p>
<p>Before making the decision to transfer, you need to be brutally honest with yourself. How much of your unhappiness is actually caused by specific aspects of Notre Dame that don’t necessarily exist at other schools (the heavy workload, the academic competition, the religious atmosphere), and how much by your own personality – for example, how you react to heavy workloads and new social situations? All university settings have cliques, and much of your social experience depends on the luck of the draw in dorm and roommate assignments. You might find that your unhappiness diminishes simply by finding some new people to socialize with. The campus is filled with all kinds of people, and you can meet them simply by trying a new club or activity.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that transfer students have to work harder than others at finding a group of friends, especially if most students start as freshmen. You might be forced to live off-campus, which may seriously diminish your chances at making new friends. </p>
<p>The grass is not always greener at another school. You will be bringing yourself to any new school to which you transfer.</p>