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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cal U chapter.

When a student attends college, everything might seem like all sunshine and roses. However, as time goes on, pressures start to take its toll. That college might not seem perfect for you again like it did in the beginning. Just remember this: It’s OK to want to transfer.

The thought goes through almost every college student’s mind. Everyone has their doubts, but some are more severe than others. While you might have thought that your school is perfect, it’s OK to think it isn’t anymore.

Here’s my advice to you: If your school isn’t living up to your standards, then switch. You’re the one paying for your schooling, the highest level education possible. If you’re not happy with what you’re getting, then take your money somewhere else.

It’s not a bad thing to want to transfer. Don’t listen to the pressure from your friends at school that “you’ll be leaving” them all alone. That’s not on you. You’re not the one that should be faulted for wanting to go somewhere else.

You shouldn’t feel bad for wanting to try something new. I’ve thought about transferring, but not because I don’t like Cal U. I really like it here, but I’ve always wanted to try something and go somewhere new. That’s not a bad thing. Getting out of your comfort zone and wanting to experience something different shouldn’t be faced with criticism. It should be faced with well-wishes and positivity!

Transferring isn’t a bad thing, and neither is the thought of transferring. It should be a positive experience. Looking up a college for the first time was such an exciting experience! Why not relive that experience if you want to try something new?

It’s OK to want to do new things, experience new places and go out of your comfort zone. For those who ever think about transferring to go back close to home, that doesn’t make you a wimp, it makes you someone that just wants to be around a familiar setting. Don’t let negative comments push you away from doing what you want to do.

If you want to experience something beyond what you have so far, then do it. Nobody is stopping you, and nobody should try to stop you. College is all about feeling different things out and experiencing people and things, after all.

Rachael McKriger, a junior at California University of Pennsylvania, is a contributor to HerCampus. In addition, McKriger is the Editor In Chief of her college newspaper, The California Times. She also serves a sports writer and the News Editor for the paper. At Cal U, McKriger is majoring in English with a concentration in Journalism and minoring in Sociology. Outside of school, McKriger is a sports writer for Pittsburgh Sporting News, Pittsburgh Sports Castle, Real Sports Entertainment Network, and Politically Incorrect Sports Talk (all websites). She covers topics including the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers Basketball, the MLS, the U.S. Men's and Women's National Teams, the NWSL, the NBA, the NFL, and other sports related topics. You can follow her on Twitter, @TheeMcKriger, and find her articles on Facebook by searching "Rachael McKriger: NFL/Soccer." McKriger can also be found on Facebook under McKriger Photography, a photography company she started in March of 2016.
I am a undergraduate student, seeking a B.A. in English, concentrating in Journalism and Creativing Writing. I am the Campus Correspondent for Her Campus at California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U). I am the Social Media Officer for Alpha Lambda Delta. Additionally, I manage the social media for Cal U's Women's Studies Program where I am a work study student. I am a staff writer for the Cal Times and I also write frequently for Her Campus at Cal U. In the past, I have worked as a Social Media Consultant Intern with Someone To Tell It To, a non-profit organization based in Harrisburg, PA.