<p>I understand that sentiment. I’ll try to respond to this as objectively as I can, seeing as I am still waiting to hear back from U of C. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>If you made it through the transition from the US to St. A’s, I wouldn’t think leaving your friends there and moving to U of C would be too hard. If it’s what you really want to do. It’s easy to keep in touch and even visit. Seriously, I have buttload of friends from my 1st year at the University of Toronto that I still keep in touch with. That was 5 years ago; most of them were from the UK to begin with; I just saw one a few weeks ago, and we’re having a reunion in Toronto in a few weeks. Basically, I wouldn’t be too concerned about losing your friends at St. A’s; or making new ones at Chicago for that matter. You seem pretty resourceful and well-adjusted.</p></li>
<li><p>From what I gather from my British friends, and my friends who went through St. A’s and other UK unis, your first year is OK, and then the second and third years involve a big jump in academic rigor. I’m pretty sure you’ll see your recreational possibilities curve shift left, and your academic demands curve shift right–no matter where you go. </p></li>
<li><p>Chicago’s core is incredibly challenging (that’s why I like it, too) and they have an incredibly broad curriculum (which I really love). I mean, the academics are really tough to beat there. What programs are you interested in?</p></li>
<li><p>On the one hand, St. A’s traditions and its history are pretty badass. I mean, if you step on some guy’s place of execution, you’ll flunk all your finals–unless you swim the North Sea?! Holy wow. Plus, I hear you go skiing in Switzerland to beat the winter blues there; which doesn’t suck. On the other hand, scavenger hunts?! Dinosaurs in library lobbies?! Amazing! </p></li>
</ol>
<p>I guess the questions to ask yourself would be:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Why did I apply to U of C this time around? What does U of C have that St. A’s doesn’t? </p></li>
<li><p>If I transfer to U of C, how will it be different/better from St. A’s?</p></li>
<li><p>Why does U of C seem like such an amazing oppty to me now? (Not why did it seem like that as a HS senior. I’m assuming that you have probably covered a fair amount of “personal growth” territory in the last year.)</p></li>
<li><p>If I transfer there, will I take advantage of those opptys?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I guess what I’m saying is, just be sure, for your own sake, that you applied to U of C to attend it; not just to be accepted to it. I’m not saying that this is what you did; I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with it, either–I’ve known plenty of people who have done the same thing. But it’s something to be considered. </p>
<p>I’m sure no matter what you choose, you’ll be really successful. Adjusting to cultural differences and uni life is a challenge, no matter where you go, and regardless of whether or not that shift is lubricated by fine ale and fried Mars bars. That you’ve done well so far is impressive in and of itself; and don’t sell yourself short on that one. Regardless of your decision, I wish you the best of luck.</p>