Early Discontent: Should I Transfer if I Don't Like My College?

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Lilian Doan experienced the peaks and valleys of college life during her first year. Her first semester was great, but a new reality dawned on her during the bitter winter days at the start of the second semester. "After football season, the first snowfall, and an awesome winter break at home, the real excitement of experiencing things for the first time had just vanished," she remembers. "It was at this time, coincidentally, that the snowfall really began to pick up and the sun seemed to stop shining for two months. I soon became disenchanted with Notre Dame on the whole, and felt as if the only way to be happy was to transfer"it became something that I thought about a lot."

She was scared to tell other people about her feelings, she recalls, because it seemed nobody felt as she did. But she was wrong. When Lilian did finally discuss it with others, she found that many felt the same way. She continued to chat about the situation with friends from both school and home, as well as her sister. After many of these conversations, she relates, "something just seemed to change" and her outlook began to improve. Looking back, she admits that even the dreary weather may have had something to do with her flirtation with transferring.

Many students who addressed this question offer similar advice: If you're truly, sincerely unhappy with a school, consider transferring" but first make sure you are clear about the reasons why you want to leave.

Kristina Ihlenfeldt (Clemson University.) suggests that some students who live relatively close to their college might be more susceptible to wanting to transfer closer to home. "Is it because you go home every weekend and haven't really given it a chance?" she asks. "If the problem is that you're homesick and/or haven't given it a chance, I would recommend staying, because it's so important to learn how to deal with and adjust to new experiences rather than running away to what is comfortable."

Vinda Rao says she got off to a rocky start at Tufts University, but she pulled through just fine: "The first month of freshman year I wanted to leave 20 times a day. It was a rough time. But once I solidified my friendships, took on leadership positions in my clubs, and got a routine going, I found that I didn't want to go home." By the time winter break rolled around, Vinda, like many college students, realized she was very happy where she was. "I had adjusted to college that completely," she adds, looking back.

For students who've had a rough time adjusting to life at college, it's worth realizing that at least that phase is behind them by the end of the first semester and year. If they go to a new school, they'll have to start that aspect again. On the other hand, if they're not thriving in the college's atmosphere, despite making a sincere effort, transferring may be the right choice.

In her role as a resident assistant at Northern Arizona University. Erika Brant has dealt with lots of students struggling with these issues. She suggests persevering as best as you can through the rough patches. "Even if you don't like something right away"a class, a club, or a roommate"you should at least give it your best try." She urges students to at least do their best to get through a full semester.