What should I do this semester?

Question

I transferred schools this semester but haven't made any friends here (it's really small, and I've tried to get involved but there isn't much in the way of clubs, and this is a really tight-knit community where everyone already knows each other and aren't interested in meeting anyone new). I have 3 options. I can
a.) go back to my old school. My old roommate is pretty excited about this, but I don't know if my other friends are going to want to hang out with me anymore because they all rushed so they're doing sorority stuff (my roommate is the only one that didn't rush and she says she's pretty lonely). I also didn't really like my classes there.
b.) I can commute to this university close to home where I already have a year's worth of credits from highschool, but it's really unchallenging and I don't think I could make friends as a commuter.
c.) I could take this semester off. I'm running out of time to make a decision. What could I really do if I took the semester off?

By the way, I'm also not sure if I like my major (foreign affairs and history). I want to be done with college and get my degree, but I don't know what I want to do when I leave. But since I'm already a junior (by credits, age-wise I should be a sophomore) I feel like it would be moving backwards to change majors now.

Answer 1

Jumping from school to school isn't going to be the answer. All you'll be doing is taking your indecision and lonliness with you. Sometimes it takes more than three or four months to settle in.

Working for the school paper is a great way to get more involved, since you get to go to events and people will talk to you.

Most schools have a career guidance office that have aptitude tests. You can also find some on-line. Taking the tests may help you identify new possiblities.

If you're going to take time off, see if you can use the time to earn money (a good reason to take a break when you reapply) and weigh all of your options. Also, see if you can take credits somewhere so that you don't fall further behind. Maybe school isn't your thing. You may find more of a social life in a work setting (you can work while in college too...) or in activities outside the school. Volunteer at a local hospital or community theatre - whatever. You need to pursue your own interests, be interesting, and try to give yourself a full life. Sometimes it's when you don't need a shoulder to cry on that you find people eager to be your friend.

You're certainly not alone if you feel detached and like something isn't working out the way you dreamed. Everyone goes through this at some point in their life, and you need to work it through. I truly wish you the best. A year from now you'll look back on this time from a much happier place.

Answer 2

Let me put it to you like this... you should NOT be making educational decisions based on social circumstances. Your decision of whether to stay or go needs to be based on the kind of education you're receiving and nothing else. If you feel that the school where you're currently studying is mentally stimulating, that the education is a good value for the price you're paying and that the school has the kind of reputation that your degree will be marketable when you graduate... then stay where you are! Believe me, friends will come with time. And taking off a semester is very much a feasible idea if you NEED to but it's not something to just do willy-nilly, you're trying to graduate! Just remember that you are there for the education first and foremost, anything else is just gravy. And even if the social scene doesn't get great where you are, work hard now and party hard later when you've got that great job because of your great education. I'll be praying for you, you'll make the right decision!

Answer 3

You could always join a school club or committee, it is a great way to make friends who have similar interests and they are challenging and fun so there ya go.

Answer 4

id go back and stick with the roomy.. a place without clubs sounds like a horrible place to be 18-29 in ><