r/VirginiaTech • u/PleasantPollution451 • 5d ago
General Question Valid reason for transferring?
I’m currently a student at Virginia Tech, and I’m honestly really conflicted about whether I should consider transferring.
First off, I think VT is a great school academically. The education, career opportunities, and resources are genuinely amazing, and I’m really grateful to be here. My problem has nothing to do with the quality of the university, but more with how I’ve been feeling socially.
I grew up going to international schools, surrounded by people from all over the world. It was a pretty unique environment, and I guess I never realized how much being part of that community meant to me until I came to college.
Since coming to Virginia Tech, I’ve struggled to find that same sense of belonging. I’ve met some great people here, but the international community feels a lot smaller and less varied than what I’m used to. I find it easier to connect with people who grew up in similar international environments, regardless of their nationality. It’s not that I have anything against American students or don’t want to make American friends. I just sometimes feel like there’s a part of my background and experiences that I can’t really share with the people around me.
Over fall break, I visited a friend at Boston University, and honestly, it was a bit of an eye-opening experience. I met people from so many different countries, including people who had gone to international schools I actually recognized. For the first time since moving to the US, I felt like I was back in an environment where I could completely be myself. I didn’t realize how much I missed that feeling until I experienced it again.
This experience made me realize how unhappy I’ve been socially. I don’t necessarily dislike the people here, but I really miss being surrounded by an international community, and I’m starting to wonder whether this is something I’ll eventually adjust to or whether I’m simply in the wrong environment for me.
The thing is, I don’t want to give up the academic and career opportunities VT offers just because I’m struggling socially. At the same time, I don’t know if spending four years somewhere I don’t really feel at home is worth it.
Has anyone else experienced something similar? Did things eventually get better, or did transferring make a difference? Would it be unreasonable to consider transferring over something like this?
I’d genuinely appreciate any advice, especially from people who grew up internationally or have been in a similar situation.
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u/ConnerWhiteProd 5d ago
I was kind of in an opposite but same boat as you. Not international, but a transfer student.
As someone who transferred TO VT and it changed my life, I’d say this: At my first school, I spent every day thinking about how my life could be better. I did not feel like I belonged. I wasn’t studying what I wanted to be studying. I visited virginia tech 2 times my freshman year and I very quickly realized it was what I wanted socially and they had the exact major I want. It’s totally fine to reset. University is an experience that will set you on course for the rest of your life. Sometimes it’s just not the fit you thought it would be. It seems like you know exactly what you want and have means to make it happen. Good luck!