When you’re not happy, the days can feel long, so you probably feel like you’ve been at your school for FOREVER! But it’s just been a short while, so things could fall into place socially. You are doing all the right things in terms of trying things and being active. Most people at smaller schools do in fact find their tribe, but it’s harder when you aren’t part of the dominant culture. Harder is particularly hard when being unhappy is taking all your energy.
My advice is to hang in there and treat this experience like it’s the beginning of 4 years. Keep looking for your right social outlets - consider volunteering or an on-campus job to see a group of people regularly, see who’s in the substance-free dorms and what they do when others are partying, talk to someone in the student health center (who may arrange groups for students who aren’t enthused about their experience – you aren’t alone!), etc. Keep showing up at things that interest you, whatever that is.
Take courses next semester that will allow you to delve into subjects you might enjoy. Engage and excel in the classroom (and connect with your profs!). That’ll serve you well no matter what you do. If you do want to transfer, it’ll be easier with a strong transcript.
Next semester, complete and submit your transfer applications. You won’t have acceptances or need to make a decision until late spring, at which point you may have much more clarity into what to do. The best outcome is that you are struggling with whether to stay or go.
If you really want to study something your school doesn’t offer, that can be a good reason to transfer. But this year, I would think less about majors and more about taking classes that interest you. That’s often a good way to get pointed in the right direction.
Hang in there - you’ve got this!