Did I choose the right college?
I am a freshman at University of Kentucky and I thought about transferring to a school most my of my friends go to back home in Wisconsin. It’s my first day back from winter break and I cried when my parents left. I miss home very much I had the same feeling when my parents first dropped me off for college I cried in the bathroom and sometimes when my roommate left the room this went on for about a week or so. I eventually got over the homesickness but I still counted down the days until I got to go home. I like this school but most days I wish I could just go home and see my family and friends. I made dean’s list this semester and I joined a club. I usually don’t feel homesick when I surround myself with a few friends that I have here but I don’t want to annoy them. Most people here are from Kentucky and the friends I have here sometimes go home to see their family which I am not able to do living far away from home. I feel as if I joined a sorority I would like it much better because I don’t know many people here. I still count down when the next time I’ll be able to see my family. If I did transfer my parents are afraid not everything will transfer over and will set my back a year. did I choose the right school still wanting to go home so much…??? Any suggestions on what to do? Please help Sincerely lost UK student
It’s true that most people are from Kentucky- but you would be surprised to hear that some of them are struggling also. One first year that I know at UK should have it made- and looks as if she does. She went to high school in Lexington, and most of her good friends are now at UK. But to her great surprise, they are changing a lot, very quickly. She barely sees her best friend (and they’ve been joined at the hip since 8th grade) because their classes don’t overlap at all. Her ‘perfect’ boyfriend of 3 years decided at Christmas that maybe they should take a break. She has already changed her ideas about what she wants to major in- twice!
What I’m getting at is that all of you are growing and changing really fast right now, and even for locals, friendships are in flux. Sororities can be a good way to build an instant community- I know at least 2 girls at UK who did that (though they both participated less by third year), but so are clubs. UK basketball is in full swing now, and that’s a huge socializing thing. There is a super alternative spring break program, which really knits people together- check into that.
There’s no harm in applying to transfer but be aware: even if you went back to Wisconsin, it won’t be the same. Your friends there are changing and you are changing. No matter what, it won’t be like high school was.
What you are going through is perfectly normal. You are finding out that growing up and separating from your family and childhood home/town is a process. It is not a discrete event that just suddenly is over, but a process that takes time, years actually, has high and low moments. No matter where you go to school there will be issues that are challenging to deal with. You may be going though a rebound of homesickness because the excitement of starting out at school has kind of worn off and you know what you are in for the next semester. However, you chose this school for a reason and it is important to continue to focus on those reasons, as they are likely positive. How you think about things has a lot to do with how you feel about things, kind of mind over matter. If you think positively about your school and what you are seeking to accomplish then you will end up feeling more positively.
If you stil feel like you have to transfer. keep up your studies and grades in order to keep you options open. Good luck.