When we all make the decision of where we want to spend the rest of our higher education, none of us picture ourselves anywhere except that one beloved campus of our choosing. But sometimes things change. Some people, maybe even you, make the choice to leave behind what they thought was the Perfect School and move to Perfect School 2.0. Transferring is completely normal and OK, but here's a list a things you will probably go through during the transition time.
1. Actually deciding that you want to transfer.
This could quite possibly be one the hardest choices of your life to date, so take some time to think! You did pick your first school for a reason, but sometimes the concept is better than the reality (hence why you may be so unhappy at a place you thought was meant to be). Yes, you may go through an existential crisis or two while you weigh out the pro's and con's, but this is ultimately your choice. Go with your gut.
2. Telling people you have decided to leave.
Things could very easily get awkward, especially if it comes as a surprise. Be sure to give those you tell adequate time to process the information. Your college friends will miss you, your parents will be grateful (if you're going somewhere cheaper or closer to home), and your hometown friends will be supportive. It is important to remember that no matter what anyone's reaction is, this is your choice and your choice alone. Own it!
3. Talking with friends and realizing you are the only one who is not *~iN LoVe~* with college (yet).
A lot of people transfer for a lot of reasons: Financial, social, academic, emotional, the list goes on. No matter what the reason, it is hard to discuss with other people your age and see how easy their adaption to college was in comparison to your current situation. Don't lose hope, we all have a place!
4. The application process: The sequel
The worst part about senior year is baAaAaCK! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the ever-confusing and frustrating application process has returned for one final dance. Set some time aside, bake your favorite comfort food and put on some easy listening; it's gonna be a wild time.
5. Leaving campus...forever!
For some people (aka, me), they can not WAIT to bust out of their last final and move the heck out. Though it'll be tough to say goodbye to the people you met while being there, you just want to haul a** into the next phase of your life.
6. Summer vacation presents itself as a really weird in-between time.
Summer as a transitioning transfer student feels like time has basically stopped. Some of your friends may be taking summer classes so they can graduate early, starting internships for their major, or just staying near their campus in hopes to settle down in that area. While for you, you're stuck feeling like a recent high school grad waiting for their life to begin.
7. Reliving freshman year AGAIN.
Ah yes, orientation week all :-) over :-) again :-) ! Though you will feel like a fish out of water for the second year in a row, it is super important to fix any mistakes you may have made last year. If that means stepping out of your comfort zone, then do it! College is meant to be enjoyed, don't let the years go to waste when you have already gone this far to make a change for the better.
8. Realizing you totally made the right choice.
Yes! After all this emotional turmoil and adapting to a completely new place, it's an amazing feeling to know it was all worth it. You go girl (or boy)!
Making the choice to transfer is an extremely courageous one. It requires you to completely uproot yourself all over again, without even knowing if things will improve. Yeah, staying at your original college is probably (definitely) way easier, but isn't your happiness more important than ease? Like they say, there is no way to know unless you try. Here's to a new campus, new friends, new memories, and a better you!
