If you’re reading this, you’re likely thinking about transferring. Maybe you’re at the stage where the idea is just an inkling, or perhaps you’ve got the applications printed out, complete, and ready to send. Either way, have you stopped to think about your reasons? There are a lot of good reasons to transfer colleges—a change in major, completion of community college, etc. But others may have you look back and ask: What was I thinking? Let’s avoid the latter thought. We’re going to be honest—maybe even harshly so—and give you a few of the worst reasons to transfer colleges. If you’re pondering some of the following thoughts, you may want to think twice before sending off those transfer applications.
1. You don’t have any friends
An unfulfilling social life could actually be a good reason to transfer—if you really feel like you just don't fit in. But you have to put effort into trying to make friends first! Strong friendships won’t just show up at your door, so try the following:
- Reach out to your roommates and others in your dorm to grab lunch or dinner
- Check out some of the events offered by your residence hall or student clubs
- Join organizations to meet people with similar interests
- Talk to the people next to you in class or start a study group
If the general vibe of the campus isn’t one in which you fit, then transferring may be the only option to get back into your comfort zone. However, college and university campuses abound with students of all different kinds of backgrounds and interests, so before you just up and leave, actively seek out the people who might understand you and could end up being your closest buddies.
Related: Making Friends Your First Year of College: Top Do's and Don'ts
2. You miss your significant other
If your relationship is very serious, you two can (and should) find a way to work through the distance until you can be together again. If you miss your partner, but like your current school, stay distracted by immersing yourself in your coursework, extracurricular activities, and fruitful social life. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but relationships don’t always last through college, so switching schools just to have a relationship end later will be crippling not only for your emotions but also for your college experience.
3. You don’t like your roommate
Roommate experiences are rarely perfect, but don’t let that imperfection force you out of your school completely! Try to communicate openly about problems. That’s easier said than done, of course, but you can always rope your RA into that conversation to see if you can sort through your problems and have a more enjoyable dorm experience. If that doesn’t work, you can always switch rooms after your first semester—which is a lot easier than switching schools. Don’t let what happens inside your dorm room affect what happens outside of it too.
4. You are homesick
College is a huge change, and being away from home is one of the biggest differences most people struggle with as new college students. But there’s a reason why alumni attend homecoming each year: Their school became their home away from home! The transition will be uncomfortable at first as it’s tough adjusting to a new schedule and environment. But there are ways to make the transition easier:
- Keep some routines: If you ran every morning in high school or watched a movie every Sunday night, don’t let that go just because you’re in college!
- Stay in touch: Thanks to technology, your family is only a FaceTime, Snapchat, or Facebook post away.
- Don’t mope around: If you come home from class, crawl into bed, and cry every day, you’re signing up for homesickness! Keep yourself busy. After all, you are in college: You have homework to do, club meetings to attend, and friends to hang out with on campus.
Related: 3 Tips to Help First–Year Students With Homesickness
Transferring colleges can be a beneficial decision for some students, but it’s essential to examine your reasons carefully first. Social discomfort, homesickness, or relationship struggles are common challenges college students face and are typically not the reasons to leave. Instead, consider seeking support and exploring campus resources to help you adjust. Transferring is a significant choice, so weigh your options thoughtfully to ensure it’s right for your academic and personal growth. Your college experience is all about what you make of it!
If you ultimately decide transferring is the right choice for you, you can ease the transition with all of Our Best Advice for the Transfer Admission Process.
