Thinking of transferring for second year

4

I'm 3 weeks into first year at Cardiff Uni and initially I was so happy to get in as it meant I could move away and live independently for the first time ever. However since I've been here I've felt nothing but homesickness, loneliness, and just a general feeling of not belonging. Basically I think it would be a lot easier if I had my family close by but I don't. So I've been thinking quite a lot about transferring to a home uni for second year but I'm unsure of how to go about that or when I should begin that process. I know it's so early on and my feelings may change but I just feel unable to click with anyone here as I did with my friends from home and I've felt somewhat unsatisfied with where I am like everyday that I have been here. It almost feels like I gave up my whole life at home to come here and if I was to return nothing would be the same. Any thoughts?

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 1

Kingston Sarah

Official Rep

11

Hello,

Being away from home is definitely one of the hardest things when starting university, but it definitely gets better with time and once you find your friend/friend group 😊.
Nevertheless, you can transfer in year 2 by submitting a UCAS application and selecting “year 2” entry, but you need to contact your prospective university first to see if they allow/accept year 2 transfers. Even if you change your mind later, you can withdraw your application.

All the best
-Sarah (Kingston Rep)

Reply 2

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

13

Original post

by hhunter689

I'm 3 weeks into first year at Cardiff Uni and initially I was so happy to get in as it meant I could move away and live independently for the first time ever. However since I've been here I've felt nothing but homesickness, loneliness, and just a general feeling of not belonging. Basically I think it would be a lot easier if I had my family close by but I don't. So I've been thinking quite a lot about transferring to a home uni for second year but I'm unsure of how to go about that or when I should begin that process. I know it's so early on and my feelings may change but I just feel unable to click with anyone here as I did with my friends from home and I've felt somewhat unsatisfied with where I am like everyday that I have been here. It almost feels like I gave up my whole life at home to come here and if I was to return nothing would be the same. Any thoughts?

Hey,

It really sounds like you’re going through a tough adjustment period, and honestly, that’s completely understandable. The first few weeks of uni can be such a whirlwind. Moving away from home for the first time is a big change, and even though it’s something many people look forward to, the reality of being far from your family and your usual support network can hit much harder than expected.

It’s really common to feel homesick or like you don’t quite fit in yet, especially in those first couple of months. You’re suddenly surrounded by new people, a new routine, and a completely different environment, so it’s normal that things feel off balance right now. A lot of students who’ve felt the same way have said it took time, sometimes until after Christmas, before they started to feel settled or found “their people.” So, try to give yourself a bit of time to see whether things improve as you get more comfortable.

If you’re still thinking seriously about transferring closer to home, that’s totally okay too, plenty of students do this and end up much happier for it. If you do decide to go down that route, most universities recommend starting the process early. It’s usually worth chatting to your personal tutor or student support team first, they can explain how transferring works and what kind of paperwork or references you’d need.

In the meantime, it might help to keep in touch with your family regularly and also get involved in something small at Cardiff, maybe a society, volunteering, or even study groups. Having a few familiar faces or a regular routine can make things feel less isolating.

Whatever you end up deciding, know that you’re not alone in feeling like this, so many people quietly go through the same thing but don’t always talk about it. You haven’t done anything wrong by feeling the way you do, and whether you stay or transfer, you’ll find your balance again. ❤️

Good luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Reply 3

UniLancashire

Official Rep

15

Original post

by hhunter689

I'm 3 weeks into first year at Cardiff Uni and initially I was so happy to get in as it meant I could move away and live independently for the first time ever. However since I've been here I've felt nothing but homesickness, loneliness, and just a general feeling of not belonging. Basically I think it would be a lot easier if I had my family close by but I don't. So I've been thinking quite a lot about transferring to a home uni for second year but I'm unsure of how to go about that or when I should begin that process. I know it's so early on and my feelings may change but I just feel unable to click with anyone here as I did with my friends from home and I've felt somewhat unsatisfied with where I am like everyday that I have been here. It almost feels like I gave up my whole life at home to come here and if I was to return nothing would be the same. Any thoughts?

Hi @hhunter689,

I'm sorry you are feeling like this. Moving out for university is a big change especially if it's a bigger distance. I did definitely feel similar to you when I first moved out to uni and something that helped me was facetiming and speaking to my family/friends from home almost everyday. Even if it was just for a quick catch up, it helped me a lot.

It's understandable to feel homesick when starting university and many students do, so don't be too hard on yourself. I know it's easy to do so but there are more people in a similar boat than we sometimes realise. Living in a new space, starting new lecturers, meeting so many new people and adjusting to a new routine can become overwhelming.

As you mentioned it is still early on and feelings may change but also go with your gut as you know what's best for you. You want to be enjoying your course and university as you are dedicating a lot of time to it. You need to make the right decision and you have already made a great start even acknowledging that you need a change.

I would recommend speaking to your tutor or student support at the university. Most universities have so much support and guidance from wellbeing to student support so make the most of it. There will be people at your university who will be able to direct you in the best way to transfer. It may be worth enquiring and emailing the unis you are considering applying to. You've got this! 🙂

You can find some more information here too: How easy is it to switch courses once I’m at university? - The Uni Guide

Hope this helps and best of luck!
^Zac

Thinking of transferring for second year

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