Some high school students will graduate and immediately connect with their new schools. Some will warm up eventually. Some will be unhappy and want to leave. And still, others are everywhere in between.

I transferred to Colgate from a large state school. To an outsider, I seemed perfectly happy. I had good grades, great friends, and yes of course, a decent amount of pictures on Facebook to prove I was “having fun in college.” But, to the surprise of even my closest friends, I decided to transfer.

I won’t go into the specific reasons about why I did not like my previous university, but I will say that it was not a good fit for me. Despite a full year’s attempt to fall in love with my university, I knew I had made a mistake. I was content with my life, but I wanted something more. I discovered that I needed a small school and the entire package that came with it: small classes, dedicated professors, and a strong sense of community. Which led me to Colgate University.

Although choosing to transfer to Colgate University is undeniably one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life, this article is not about that. This article is for any student at any university who is unhappy with their choice. Throughout my journey, I learned a lot about the transferring process, which I will now share with you.

Don’t confuse a general dislike of the university with anxieties concerning the adjustment process. No matter where you go to college, you will be homesick for an indefinite amount of time. And you (probably) won’t find your best friends within the first few weeks of school. Transferring to a different university won’t help either of those things. There is an adjustment period at every university, but it’s important to stay positive and keep trying to adapt to the new environment. Try new things! Finding a niche within a school (especially a large one) can make all the difference.

Ignore social media. Especially in the first few months of being at a new school, people (especially high school classmates) will put up an excessive amount of photos to prove they are thriving socially. You might wonder “is that what college should be like?” or “why am I not having that much fun?” Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your experiences to those you perceive your friends are having at other schools. Social media makes it very easy to put on appearances. Focus on yourself and your own college experience.

Ask parents and friends for advice. Expose your feelings and don't leave out a detail. Friends and family members cannot read your thoughts, so make sure you’re completely honest and that you convey your true feelings. People will want to help and support you. But make sure you take advice with a grain of salt. You know yourself better than anyone else does, and this choice is one you’ll have to live with for three or more years. Transferring is a decision that is completely about YOU. Not your mom or your best friend Suzie.

Remember that transferring isn’t quitting. It isn’t a sign of defeat. Think of it more as a break-up. You and your current university aren’t a good match, and you could be better off somewhere else. But keep in mind that transferring to a different university is very serious and the process will require a lot of work. It’s senior year of high school all over again. But in the end, it could really pay off.

Not everyone makes the right decision when choosing a college, and it’s perfectly normal to want to change. But make sure it is for the right reasons. Before picking up the Princeton Review’s latest college book, really try to find the positives of the school you are currently at. So take some time, and try to integrate yourself into your new university before considering making the switch. But if you find that you truly aren’t a good fit with that institution, I encourage you to take the leap. Transferring was one of the best decisions of my life, and I’m sure it will be for some of you too. As long as you stay true to yourself, you can’t go wrong.