College is typically known as "the best four years of your life," which sounds like a powerful statement, but it's also terrifying. You leave home, get thrown into this new environment, make new friends, and have this newfound independence. When we're in high school, we dream about being able to do whatever we want and not have to follow what someone says, but when you actually get to college you find that it's time to take control of your life. It may be tough at times, but a key part of college is figuring out who you are and what you truly want. Last semester, I came to the realization that I wanted to transfer. Although I'm set on my decision for transferring (plus I already paid my deposit), I still face criticism from others. Here are eight things I hear all the time that still won't change my decision.

1. "If I were you, I'd be scared to start fresh. Find all new friends, get used to a new school, and basically start all over again."

I came into college with the mindset of making new friends and trying to make it feel like my new home, I'm pretty sure I can do it again. Don't let other people's views alter yours. I'll admit that transferring does sort of make me anxious, but it's important to stay open-minded and keep a positive attitude about this change.

2. "Don't leave, I'm going to miss you!"

At the end of the day, this is your life. Just because your best friend or significant other says they're going to miss you doesn't mean you should risk your educational goals for them. Of course you'll miss them too, but you will obviously keep in contact if your friendship is true. Distance won't put a strain on your relationship unless you let it.

3. "Will all your credits transfer?"

I'm honestly not sure, but I won't let that take away from my decision. I'm obviously going to be pretty pissed that I took classes I didn't need to take and spent money on, but it will be alright in the end.

4. "Why did you even go to (current school) in the first place?!"

I'll admit that I did enjoy my time at my current university and I really did love the campus, but life goes on and people change. I came into college fairly uncertain of what I wanted to major in, but over the year I've grown and realized what I truly want out of my college experience that my current school cannot give me.

5. "Where are you living next year?"

I love when people who don't know I'm transferring ask me this loaded question that then leads to a bunch of other questions. I love when I answer, "I'm transferring" and seeing their response. Unfortunately, I'm also going to be living on campus again next year, just at another school. What's even funnier is that I'm going to live in a building at my new school that has the same name of a building at my current school.

6. "What classes are you taking next semester?"

I have no clue. I can't register for classes until my transfer orientation, so I'm not even sure if I'll be able to take the classes I need or want to.

7. "You're just going there because you want to party!"

College is not just about partying, but if you want to have fun and do intend on partying, then you should go to a school that will provide that. The campus culture between the school I'm transferring to versus the school I'm transferring from are pretty different. I made the choice to leave because I love the school spirit at my new school, from the tailgates to parties and the opportunities available.

8. "Are you sure you want to transfer?"

I am 100 percent sure and I already paid for everything next year, so at this point, nothing you can say will change my decision.