Each semester, there are college students who transfer because of health, financial, academic, and other personal reasons. Despite the statistic that over one-third of college students in America are transfer students, going through the process of transferring can still feel isolating and confusing, especially during the moments of self-doubt. If you are one of the soon-to-be transfers for the upcoming semester, keep in mind that you are not alone, even when it feels like you are.
The process of transferring colleges begins with admitting to yourself that your current college is not the best fit for you at this time—and the courage to take a risk in order to better your situation. It is normal to wonder things like “How could I have gotten this so wrong?” and “Will I actually be happier after I transfer?”
One of the most difficult parts of transferring colleges is the beginning stage in which you feel as if you are alone in a crowd of perfectly content peers who are unable to empathize with your discontentment. This is not true. Many students probably can understand your viewpoint, though your reasons for leaving may not apply to them. Talking to students who are happy with your college can help you see and enjoy the positive aspects of your college for your remaining time there. Stay open to your own emotions and others’ perspectives.
As you begin the transfer process, do not be afraid to reach out for the support that you need. Support from your family and friends, as well as the people from your current college and prospective college, can ease your transition. Behind the application and forms are real people who are willing to help you, so allow your transfer process to be an interpersonal one. When family and friends ask you about college, it can be difficult to say anything other than “I absolutely love it.” But by being honest, you give yourself the opportunity to hear their supportive words of wisdom.
During the transfer process, make sure that you stay organized in order to meet the application deadline. It is helpful to dedicate a particular time of the day to working on your application and focus your energy during the rest of the day on doing your best at your current college.
Even if you are certain that you will transfer, you can continue growing your friendships at your current college. The thought of leaving the people you assumed would be by your side for four years is difficult, but your friendships stretch far beyond your college campus. Despite your decision to transfer, your friendships are worth building and keeping.
Until your first day at your new college, when it hits you that you actually survived a hectic transfer process, try your best to not burden yourself by comparing hypothetical situations. You cannot think or Google your way to answers that tell you whether or not transferring is worth it. You can only trust the process.
Lastly, keep in mind that although you may not have control over everything at college, you do have control over the most important things: your work ethic, your part in your relationships, your role in your community, and your efforts to be happy. If you let it, the transfer process can be one of the best learning opportunities. By attending more than one college, not only do you learn how to repave your academic route to your career goals, but you also gain a bigger appreciation for the little, often-overlooked things about college.
