Are you thinking about transferring schools? If you are, it's totally okay! It's all going to be fine! I'm about to wrap up my transferring process and it's definitely been a hard road, but I'm so excited for my future at my new school. I've definitely found myself questioning all the tough considerations like is transferring to be closer to my dog really a good reason to transfer? Whatever reasons you have, you don't need to explain it to anyone (except maybe your parents) because in the end it's you who has to live with whatever decision you end up making. But if you're looking for any sort of reasons why people DO transfer, here's a few to get your thinking.
1. Academics
Many people feel like their university isn't offering them everything they desire academically. Maybe they've changed their major and another university has a better program for it, or maybe they know more about another schools academic programs of study that interest them. Academics are the most important part of your college life (supposedly) so many people want to get the most out of their colleges. This is the most important thing to consider when you're transferring (honestly) so when shopping around for schools to transfer to, make sure you look into academics first and foremost.
2. Location, location, location
To some, moving to a big and vibrant city is something they've always dreamed of, so they pack up and leave their small town school and move to the big city for more opportunity and more life. For some, it's the opposite. They've tried their hand at the city life and find that it's not for them, so they change their mind and move to a smaller town college. For many people, having what is called a "College Town" is something that's important. Many big universities across America are located in college towns, meaning that the school is basically its own small city in itself. Surprisingly enough, location is a big factor in a college choice. If you live somewhere cold your whole life then decide you want to go somewhere warm, you may consider a location change in order to get that. Whatever the reason, if you're happy where you're located, it may turn into happiness at school.
3. Homesickness
Students may move away from home to try and get out there and prove to themselves and their parents that they can survive on their own, but there really is no place like home. It may be the case where students just miss the familiarity of their old lives and want to go back to that. If your town or a town near you offers your major and is a great school, maybe transferring will help you to solve all of your problems. Being close to home also isn't a bad thing, so if you feel this way, you aren't alone. Many students just want to know that their bed is close by when they need it or their mom can come get them in case of an emergency (a legitimate emergency may just be needing a little mom time).
4. $$$ Money $$$
College is so. expensive. Some colleges more so than others. But when the financial burden becomes too much, sometimes transferring to a cheaper school is the final solution. When plans A-Y have all been exhausted (A-Y all probably include you begging your financial aid office for 7 more dollars and getting nothing), plan Z may just end up being transferring. Going to a public university instead of a private university can definitely save you some money, and being an in-state student at a public university gives you a lower tuition rate. Other schools offer more money allotted towards financial aid, so you may have a better chance at receiving it! Another way is finding scholarships to either keep you at your current school or help for you to fund your education at a new school. I used an app during my senior year called Scholly and it matched me with a bunch of scholarships that I qualified for. Whatever the money situation may be, if all else fails, transferring isn't the worst thing because it could save you a ton of money in the long run when you aren't up to your eyeballs in student loan debt.
5. Athletics
As silly as it may seem, students do really transfer because of sports. There's something about college sports that is just so much fun. Schools that lack in the athletic department may not be as exciting as schools who thrive in it (in the eyes of college students). A school's athletics is a huge part of a students college experience. They're fun events and it's even better when your school's teams are actually good. So if you enjoy sports and you're looking for that part of your college experience to be great, going to a new school where athletics are more important and more successful may in turn help better your overall college experience.
6. Overall Unhappiness
More often than not, students transfer simply because they are unhappy at their university. Whether it be because it's boring, getting stuck in bad classes, ending up with bad roommates, or finding yourself not enjoying college like you thought you would be, maybe it's time for a change. Transferring to a new school can open up a new door for you and be good for you to find your place of happiness. Maybe you feel like you don't have many friends at your current school? Or you're feeling like a bit of an outcast at times? Going to a bigger school gives you a chance to meet more people! Or at a smaller school, you'll be closer in contact to less people, so you may just find a few great friends there too. If you're searching for happiness, a new school with a fresh start may be just the thing you need to finish out the remainder of your academic career and not drive yourself crazy.
7. Student Life
Believe it or not, you aren't the only one who wants more life outside of the classroom. Whether it be the college party scene or the clubs, students want more to do. If you really want to join a sorority or fraternity and your school doesn't offer it, maybe another school will. Are you tired of going to the same bar that's 10 minutes away every single Friday night? Do you want more activities and clubs to join? Maybe your school doesn't have them but another school does, so if you're looking to have more options then look for it! Also, don't be afraid to ask current students about the lifestyle outside of the classroom. Most professors will never answer any sort of questions on that aspect of the University.
So if you're looking for a reason to explain to your academic advisor why you want to transfer, these are just a few. There are many completely out there and totally off base reasons as to why people want to transfer. But if you have a reason and it's to be closer to your dog or your boyfriend or your bed on the weekends, you don't need an explanation! If you feel transferring is the best decision for you, go ahead and do it. My mom told me as I was in the process of transferring that if I was having these doubts about school and was thinking of transferring, applying just to apply can't hurt anyone. So if you're unsure and on the fence, send in an application and see where it goes. Maybe if you get in, you'll feel that joy and happiness and it will feel right, and then you will just know what the right choice is.
