I’m a sophomore at NYU (from NYC, but relatives down south). Philosophy major, but shooting for pre-med or clinical psych.
Although my GPA is good and classes are interesting at NYU, I struggle with the competitive science classes. I’m also struggling in other ways. I don’t have any friends and don’t fit in with a lot of NYU culture (Stern, Tisch, clubbing, …).
I’m also having issues with stress, medical conditions, and more, and am interested in finding a slower pace of life and more relaxed or supportive environment. My understanding of the south (from family down there) is that people are more easy-going and friendly. Growing up in NYC, I also want to try living somewhere with beautiful nature.
So, I’m thinking about transferring to a small LAC in the south. I’m thinking about Birmingham Southern, Rhodes, Sewanee. Maybe others. Also potentially considering Hamilton (albeit it’s not in the south).
Does transferring sound like a potentially good decision for me? Will these colleges on my list give me what I’m looking for? Any other suggestions/advice?
Thank you!
Have you looked into the school cultures there? LACs can also be very stressful and demanding. But I think it’s really smart to go and do something different for college. I am from the city and I went to a small LAC - I was exposed to so much stuff I never would have been if I hadn’t gone there. It really opened my eyes to different ways of living.
Those schools offer a lot of what you’re looking for. Just be sure that you know what you’re getting into.
Sewanee-- lovely campus, 13000 acres of mountains, very traditional Southern culture with a capitol S. It was University of the South as in The South. In recent years it’s been attempting to move away from that tradition to more of the mainstream. Women and men tend to wear traditional clothes (skirts, ties, academic robes for the high achievers like Harry Potter style). Drinking / partying is very heavy there b/c not much to do in the rural area.
Rhodes–another lovely school, in a pretty area of Memphis which is an interesting city with lots of history and culture. Memphis has like many cities in the US been down on its luck and has some crime, but the campus is in a safe location. Academics are excellent and oftne underrated IMO.
I know nothing about Burmingham Southern.
I would add to your list possibly:
U of Richmond – more conservative or middle of the road, lovely city, pristine campus
Davidson
Hendrix
Centre
St. Mary’s of Maryland – a public LAC on the Chesapeake and like a country club with sailing
It’s not the South but consider Southwestern U in Texas – lovely place
Rollins in Florida
Washington College in Maryland
Thanks both of you 
This is helpful.