When should i begin the process for transferring university

i’m currently a first year student and i’m very unhappy with my university, i’m considering transferring at the end of the year to a university closer to home, i’d still be doing the same course (ecology) since both have the same course, when should i start the process? i’m finishing the current year at my current institution but i just need to know when to sort out formalities? i’m planning on transferring to university of lincoln if that’s any help on advice