While transferring is a normal occurrence for almost 34% of college students, it is still something that people do not completely accept. College students can find themselves afraid to transfer because they feel it will hinder their future or their peers will not accept them.

I was halfway into my first year at college, when I made the decision to transfer schools. I had gone the majority of first semester truly believing that I enjoyed where I was and that I belonged at that school. However, as first semester continued on something changed. Something I still cannot quite explain. I began to realize that this was not the place I wanted to spend four years of my life. Thanks to my loving and supportive parents, the decision I made to transfer was accepted and made possible.

Transferring can be looked down upon...it can be seen as a bad thing. But in reality, there is NOTHING wrong with transferring colleges. What could be wrong with finding the place you truly belong at?

People say that college is supposed to be the "best four years of your life". But what happens when you go off to college only to realize that you are unhappy in the place you chose for the next four years? The only logical thing to do is to transfer and make sure you are the happiest you can be. However, it can be hard to even think about transferring when everyone around you says it's a bad thing. If you find yourself in this position, I am here to tell you firsthand that it's okay.

Here are a few things that no one tells you about transferring:

1. College is about you.

It is about what you want to major in, what your passions are, and what you want to do in your future. No one can tell you where to go to college. No one can tell you what to major in. And, no one can tell you that your college experience needs to be one thing or another. It is all your own decision.

2. If you are not in love with your college, it is okay.

Nowadays, with social media controlling our lives, it can seem as though everyone at college is in love with their own school. People post Instagrams and Snapchat stories every day showing off their college and convincing the world they love it. What you need to remember is that what you see on social media is not reality. It is okay if your college experience doesn't mirror that of someone else.

3. Your initial decision is not written in stone.

As college admission decisions roll out during the school year, you may decide on a college and post your new status on Facebook. However, this announcement to all of your peers is not written in stone. You are allowed to take down that status and change your decision. You are also allowed to go off to college and make the decision to change schools from the one you said you were going to senior year of high school.

4. Find where you are happiest.

If college is supposed to be the best four years of your life, then it is imperative that you are happy. If you realize you are not happy at school or just not the happiest you know you could be, make a change and find what makes you the happiest person. As I said in my first point, college is about you and no one else.

5. Be confident in your decision and find your support system.

Above I have listed many important points that will help you in the decision you may make to transfer schools, but the most essential point I have yet to mention is that you must be confident in this decision. Your confidence will carry you through the process and ensure your happiness at the end. A great support system is also crucial throughout the transfer process and in making sure you successfully end up where you want to go.

I am now one year into my college career at The Ohio State University after transferring colleges and I can, with certainty, say transferring was the best decision of my life. I will never tell anyone that it was an easy decision or an easy process that I went through, but it was entirely worth it.

Oh, and make sure your credits transfer too!