All university students know the feeling of the summer before beginning your freshman year of college. The excitement, nervousness, and uncertainty of it all is something that is borderline indescribable. There is one thing that is supposed to be a certain, though. That is that the next four years are supposed to be the best of your life.

Now fast forward to my college experience.

It is my freshman year of college at The University of Texas at Austin. I was living in arguably one of the best cities in the country and experiencing some of the best live music and food. But for some reason, none of this seemed right. The experience I thought I had wanted all throughout my high school years seemed like someone else's fantasy. Each day dragged by, and I was constantly counting down the days until my next bus ride home.

Transferring to a different university didn't even cross my mind until halfway through the second semester. I thought to myself "all your friends like it here, and eventually, you will too." Conversing with someone who made the choice to transfer colleges was when I realized that my life was headed down that road. After many talks with my parents, friends, and professors, I decided that Texas Tech University was my home away from home.

Everything about the school seemed right, and that feeling is not something I can easily put into words. Being unhappy for a year straight is a long time, and finding Texas Tech was the biggest weight off my chest. The group of friends I found are the most supportive and caring people I know, which can really make or break a college experience (if you ask me.) After transferring, I started finding things about myself I never knew were there; this experience opened my eyes to a happier and healthier version of myself.

There is a stigma that transferring schools is "quitting" or "taking an easier route," but I am here to tell you that these assertions are all false. Making the conclusion to leave your friends and family behind to get an education and better yourself is not a simple one, and ensuring that you are in the right place is the most crucial part to getting the most bang from your buck. If you believe that transferring universities is going to be helpful for you, there are TONS of resources both at your current and future institution.

Reaching out to other students who transferred is extremely beneficial, and even contacting professors or academic advisors can aid you in finding the best school for your needs. During this hard time, remember that there are people close to you who want you to succeed. This is not a decision you have to make on your own, and I promise you it will be the best one you will ever make for yourself! Wherever your new home may be, just remember this is a choice only you can make for yourself, and you will know if it feels right.