Was declined from first choice transfer college, but would be able to go in spring. Need advice.

I was declined from my first choice transfer school UoI because I didn’t have enough credit hours, but I would be able to go in the spring because I’d have enough then. I’m not sure if this is a good idea though. Are there any benefits to going in spring? I’m really set on this school was hoping to go in fall because it seems there are a lot more opportunities that way. I never really got involved in anything in high school and don’t really have any friends left from it and was hoping university would be a bit of ‘redemption’ in that, but I’m not really sure if I’d even be there long enough for that. I heard joining in spring makes joining frats and clubs hard (all cliques already set and everything) and also you get the worst dorms. But I don’t want to wait until the next fall because then I will have even less time there. Are there any advantages to classes, frats/clubs, and anything else to starting in spring? And on a side note, does anyone know if U o Illinois-Urbana will accept an appeal if you have enough credit hours at the end of the spring semester (this current one)?