Should I Transfer Colleges? A Guide to Making the Right Choice

February and March—the two months where many college students start to think:

"Should I transfer?" "Am I really happy here?" "Could I be happier somewhere else?"

I haven't really found "my people." My friends seem happier at their colleges. Oh yeah, and I haven't been doing much because it's cold and there are no breaks for a while. So I just stare at a screen in the same place in my room for hours. Maybe somewhere else would be a better fit.

Stay or Transfer? How to Navigate This Tough Decision

In this post, we're going to discuss whether it is in students' best interest to stay at their current college or transfer. Additionally, I'll be providing a questionnaire to help you navigate this tough decision more easily and gain clarity on what you should do.

Some just let the days go by, not believing enough in the idea to take action. Then spring comes, they get out more, and reconnect with people.

For others, the FOMO (fear of missing out) or SOMO (sadness of missing out) grows, leading to more time alone, in front of the computer, stuck in this dilemma:

Transfer or stay?

Inevitably, the problem with their current school compounds over time.

Is Transferring the Right Move?

Many students consider transferring because college hasn't "clicked" for them. And transferring may very well be a good move. However, without an honest self-assessment, it's hard to know if the problem is the college—or you.

Even if you transfer, you're taking your brain and habits with you. Changing the circumstances around you won't make you happier in the long run if you carry the same problematic thinking with you.

Want to know which habits to avoid to be successful in your freshman year and beyond? Check out my blog post on 15 habits to avoid for college success!

So whether you transfer or not, it's great to check in with yourself now and reflect on how you are showing up as a student. This self-assessment is crucial, EVEN while you're researching other colleges, submitting applications, and exploring your options.

Yes, you can do both:

✅ Lean into your college experience and make the most of it

✅ Research specific transfer options to see what else is out there

Should I Transfer Colleges? Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Here are some critical questions to consider as you sort out your next steps:

Self-Reflection: Understanding Your College Experience

• Why am I not happy here? What exactly do I wish was different? (Be as specific as possible.)

• On a scale of 1-10, how would I rate my efforts to make this college work? (Be honest!)

• What do I know now about myself and my interests that I didn’t know before starting college?

  
  

Exploring Your Options: Making the Most of College

• What could I do NOW to improve my college experience?

• What do I believe I’m missing out on if I stay here?

• What do I believe I would be missing out on if I leave?

  
  

Weighing the Risks & Rewards

• What would it be like to give my best effort to my current college AND still research other colleges and transferring?

• What would be the best-case scenario if I transfer?

• What would be the worst-case scenario if I transfer? Can I live with that worst case?

• What would be the best-case scenario if I stay?

• What would the worst-case scenario be if I stay? Can I live with that worst case?

  
  

Clarifying Your Reasons

Now that you've reflected on these key questions, take a moment to clarify your main reason for transferring or staying:

At this time, my main reason to transfer is: ____________________.I like this reason because: ____________________.

At this time, my main reason to stay is: ____________________.I like this reason because: ____________________.

Making a Decision with Confidence

Making decisions takes a lot of emotional and physical energy—especially with so much time and money involved. But remember:

💡 A decision made out of insecurity or fear (like FOMO) will continue to weigh on you.

Feeling confident in yourself—whether you stay or transfer—comes from a belief in yourself.

✅ Believe that you can make college work for you by showing up as your best student self, wherever you are.

So work on that! Once you do, it will become much clearer whether you want to stay where you are—or move somewhere that aligns better with your goals.

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Feeling Stuck? Get Expert Guidance!

Struggling with the decision to transfer? Or need guidance on making the most of your college experience? 👉 Schedule a free consultation call today! 

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