Transferring

So, sometimes the school that you're at isn't the best fit and there is no other option but transferring to another school. With this thought comes many other worries, like:

-Where will you go?

-Where will you live?

-Who do you know?

-Is this the right thing?

No need to fret, College Girl is here to help you through this, as I am going through this process as well.

For many of you, the first question doesn't post much of a threat. If you find yourself rejected by the college of your dreams, then you have another opportunity at getting accepted by attending another college, doing well the first few semesters, then transferring out. This technique shows that you have the capability to change and succeed if you really put your mind to something. For the other students who just have a hard time at the colleges they are attending, it is not so easy. The one tip I can give you is that when searching for the right "fit," don't just go for the comfortability. This is a mistake I made the first time around. Yes, it is true that you do need to feel some sort of comfort in the school you will be living at, but you also need to be pushed and prodded. College is a place where you learn, grow, and, eventually, become the adult you will be for the rest of your life. After college (and graduate school if you so choose to attend) you are in the "real world," making a family or holding a job, or just supporting yourself. Either way, college is really the last step in your adolescent life. So ending this rant, look for a college that you are happy to be in, but also forces you to grow.

On to the second question. Where will you live? Well, either contact the school for on-campus housing and chance the whole roommate situation, or get an appartment. Appartments could be fun and they also give you a little shock of living on your own. From a kitchen, bathroom, and a bedroom to clean, it is not all so easy to live in your own place, but, if you're into it, the house parties could be awesome.

Who do you know? Really, unless you're extremely lucky, you will probably know no one! Hello freshman year all over again. But don't worry my fellow transferees, there are many ways to make new friends. Join clubs or athletics, go to parties, participate in class, and just be yourself. There is no need to try and reinvent yourself because colleges pool from thousands of different kinds of people, so there's bound to be someone just like you.

Is this the right thing? I can't exactly tell you. Only you know the answer to your question, but don't throw away the idea of transferring if you feel like you can "deal" with the situation you're in. College contains the best years of your life, so enjoy where you are. If you don't, then maybe transferring is the right thing for you.

If you have any questions about the process, feel free to comment because I have loads of anwers. I am transferring mid-semester to SUNY New Paltz and I couldn't be happier! The campus is beautiful, the people are REAL, and there is so much to do on and off campus that doesn't include getting schwasted. So more sober stories will follow!

Good luck my fellow transferees!

~ College Girl