After my freshman year of college at Iowa State University, I did the “unthinkable” (as one adviser dubbed my decision) and transferred to the University of Northern Iowa. UNI is significantly smaller in size than Iowa State, however, I think it has a bigger sense of community and school spirit. I’m here to tell you what the transition was like for me, and why it was, and continues to be, the best decision of my life.

I felt like a freshman again.

I moved into a new dorm hall with a new roommate in a new city. All of this was O.K.! A fresh start seemed scary, yet liberating. Although everything was unfamiliar at first, I quickly met new people and got used to the campus.

I got to know my professors.

There’s nothing like sitting in a class of 300 straining to see and hear what the professor is lecturing about. Am I right? Since the class sizes are smaller at UNI, there more chances to speak up in class and have more hands-on learning.

I'm happy to say that I know most of my professors well! Getting to know them made me feel more comfortable and recognized. It's also great because I’m more inclined to ask questions or seek career advice from them. Plus, knowing your professors means eventually networking with other professionals in the career field you’re in.

I learned new traditions.

Every campus has their own identity and traits that make it unique. I loved getting to know UNI and what the university stands for. I can truly see how much the staff cares about the students. As I learned more about the school, my confidence in my decision to transfer grew. I still find myself finding new places on campus or facts about UNI that I didn’t know before, as a junior.

During my first year at UNI, I learned a new fight song, experienced new homecoming traditions, and learned about the many awesome events and clubs the university has to offer.

I met new people.

Transferring in general means meeting new people all over again. But at a smaller university, it’s different. Meeting new people came so naturally. Since class sizes were smaller, there was more of a chance to work with others and get to know fellow students. I've met some of my best friends here at UNI, so it's crazy to think that I might not have ever known them, had I not followed my heart and transferred.

One of my favorite things about UNI is its size and that I’m constantly seeing familiar faces. Now, that doesn’t mean I know everyone, but there's a better sense of community at a college this size. I firmly believe that my day is brightened when I wave at someone I know while walking to class or have a quick passing conversation at the union. The chances of that happening at a large university are much more slim.

I got involved.

As a freshman at a large university, I never imagined that I would be as involved in college as I am now. Part of that is the transition from high school to college, where learning to manage time and a more difficult class schedule is energy-consuming. Although every college stresses getting involved on campus, I felt UNI’s case was stronger. The importance of immersing ourselves into college life and campus activities is stressed more here. I was more motivated to try new things and participate in more experiences to make me a better person, not only for my future career, but for myself. And it continues to pay off.

I learned that UNI is home.

Of course, there are many perks to attending a large university, as well as there are pros to a smaller one. But there is definitely something about UNI that just feels like home. I immediately felt welcome on campus and have always enjoyed going to classes. I think that’s what college should be about; the best time of our lives. I have gotten so much out of being a student here at UNI and everyday I’m grateful for my decision. Still, I’ll always be a Cyclone fan, but UNI really is the “right fit” for me.