When he was a high-school senior, my son decided to live at home and attend a small college with an excellent reputation. He's been very unhappy his first semester there, as all his close friends went to the big state university. He wants to transfer to the state university now. How should we react to this? - Puzzled Parents
Answer: Your son has definitely not given the local school a fair trial. It's rather soon to abandon it. We would encourage him to stick it out for the rest of the year. Before your son makes a decision, ask him to think seriously about why he chose the small college in the first place. What was important to him then that is no longer important now?
Kids can make mistakes. Colleges aren't always like students imagine they will be. If your son feels so strongly that he still wouldn't want to be at the local school even if there were no alternative, transferring now is probably right for him.
Your son needs to realize that starting college is a major adjustment for every freshman. Students who are able to make new friends right away and find activities that interest them make the fastest adjustment. Failing to do these things might be part of the reason your son is not happy at the local school.
Traditionally, most students transfer after their freshman or sophomore year. Has your son thoroughly investigated whether he can transfer to the university now? There is very little time left to make this move.