Who would willingly leave the “greatest city in the world”? Well, I did, but I have my reasons.
I completed my freshman year at a small university in the heart of New York City. When I returned to my hometown of Los Angeles, California, and told people that I would be leaving New York, they thought I was crazy. I couldn’t tell you how many times I heard, “Are you insane?” or “You couldn’t handle it, huh?” Leaving New York and transferring to college in San Francisco wasn’t an easy decision, but the idea of transferring college should be discussed more, without fear.
To put it simply, I left New York because I wanted a more traditional college experience. College was something that I looked forward to for, at least, half of my life. I watched television shows about college, went to college fairs when I was in middle school, and dreamed about what my life would be like once I got there. However this college life that I had imagined didn’t become reality at my previous university. From sports to other activities, I settled on some aspects of what I wanted in a college. But after a while, I decided to stop settling. I transferred to a university that has some of the same values as my previous institution, but just in a larger campus setting. I figured out what I could settle on, what I couldn’t, and made an active decision from there, for the betterment of my mental health.
I absolutely adore New York City and plan to move there after I graduate. Sometimes I find myself thinking about what my life would be like if I had stayed. I often think about what my friends are doing there, and what cute brunch place they’re going to without me. But the grass will always seem greener on the other side. I took a step by moving to New York but I took a leap by leaving.
If you’re thinking of leaving your college, consider your reasons first. Is it loneliness or homesickness? If so, then try and get involved on campus — I know people say this all the time but it’s the truth! I only went to about five club meetings my freshman year, and I truly believe that if I had gotten more involved, then my some of my initial issues would’ve been resolved.
Is it the school in general? Maybe you don’t like the location or the weather? Then make a plan to figure out where you can go. College is a special time but it does not have to be the most important time in your life. Maybe you can compromise on some of the things that you think you need. Or maybe you may think college isn’t for you? College isn’t easy and it doesn’t work for everyone. I’ve had my moments where I’ve contemplated leaving school to start working, but those, for me, are just moments. Figure out if what you’re feeling has been around for a long time or if it is just caused by short-term stress such as finals. If it’s a feeling that’s been around for awhile, start thinking of other universities you might want to go to, or other things that you can do to better your time.
I left New York to be somewhere that was better for my mental health, and because I wanted to take a risk. I am beyond privileged to be able to say that I’ve lived in both New York and now, in San Francisco. I’m wholeheartedly excited to challenge myself and try something completely new for the first time, especially regarding my education. If you’re thinking of transferring colleges, please know that it is not the end of the world. There is such a stigma for those who transfer, as if our decision to attend our first college was a failure or a mistake. But I don’t view my freshman year like that in the slightest, for if I didn’t live in New York for a year, I would not be who I am today.