Should I transfer to Barnard from Reed?

calmom
Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:52:56 +0000

Unless they hold some suites in Elliott open for the fall, I don’t know how the housing office would be able to arrange to house incoming spring transfers together, as a matter of simple logistics. Of course, they might very well hold a a floor of Elliott open that way – but Barnard tends to be tight for housing, with students on a waitlist for available rooms.

Again, this is a question for the housing office — I think Terminus should really contact Barnard and ask about housing and orientation for incoming transfers and get a better picture of what she would face.
b
But it also really depends on the source of the social problems, as I’ve noted above. If Terminus is introverted and has a hard time making herself go to social mixers or other events to meet people or starting up conversations with new acquaintances – then she will probably want some support from her college such as shared housing and some organized outings and events. On the other hand, if the problem is a clash between her personality and inclinations and the Reedie lifestlye – for example, if she’s a more outgoing person, but also the type of person who likes to put on makeup in the morning and make sure her shoes match the rest of her outfit before going out, and enjoys going to occasional events where everyone dresses up … maybe she will feel like Barnard is a welcome return to civilization, and love what Manhattan has to offer.

This brings up another issue – one only Terminus knows the answer to. Life in Manhattan is a LOT more expensive than life in Portland. Everything costs more, from room & board charged by the college – to whatever the student is likely to do on a day-to-day basis for entertainment. So the local cost of living (for the lifestyle she hopes to have) – needs to be factored in as well.