You wake up exhausted, dragging yourself to class or not going at all, wondering how you’re going to make it through another day. College was supposed to be the best time of your life, right? But instead, it feels like a never-ending cycle of stress, isolation, and overwhelming sadness. If you’re feeling depressed in college, you might be asking yourself: should I transfer colleges if I’m extremely depressed, or is there another way to get through this?
Transferring may seem like an escape, but will it truly solve the problem? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer, but there are ways to figure it out. In this article, we’ll explore whether a new school is the right move to manage depression — or if there are steps you can take to improve your mental health right where you are.
Understanding Depression in College
If you’re feeling lost in the whirlwind of college life, you’re not the only one. The transition from high school to college is about more than picking classes and decorating dorm rooms — it’s a major life shift that can shake your mental health. Between academic pressure, social expectations, and newfound independence, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed.
The challenges of mental health in college
The college environment can intensify mental health struggles that were present already or introduce new stressors that make them more likely to appear for the first time. Stress from coursework, social pressures, financial worries, and major life transitions can all contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. According to a survey conducted by the American College Health Association, more than 1 in 3 college students sought out mental health care services during the 2021-2022 school year.
Some common stressors that can exacerbate or increase the risk of depression in college include:
- Academic pressure or fear of failure
- Social isolation or difficulty making friends
- Financial strain and work-study balance
- Being far from home and lacking a support system
- Changes in diet, sleep, and routine
Signs that depression may be affecting your college experience
If you think depression in college might be making it harder for you to thrive, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression. Do any of these feel familiar?
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in classes, social activities, or hobbies
- Difficulty concentrating or completing assignments
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or social events
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less than usual)
- Unhealthy eating habits or significant weight changes
- Feeling extremely overwhelmed or unmotivated to attend classes
- Experiencing frequent anxiety or panic attacks
If one or more of these symptoms are making it harder to function on a daily basis, there are resources and strategies that can help treat depression. Before making any major decisions, take a step back and explore what support systems are available — whether that means reaching out to a counselor at school, confiding in a trusted friend, or making small adjustments to your routine.
What to Consider Before Transferring
Deciding whether to transfer schools is a big decision and there’s a lot to consider before making a final choice. Sometimes, a fresh start can be beneficial, but other times, the challenges you’re facing might follow you wherever you go.
Think about what’s driving your desire to transfer. Are you struggling with academic stress, feeling isolated, or a lack of support? Or do you feel like your college itself — the culture, the location, or the resources available — is making your depression worse? Answering these questions honestly can help guide you toward the best decision for your well-being.
Assessing the root cause of your struggles
First, take a step back and evaluate whether your depression is tied specifically to your college environment or if it might persist regardless of where you are. Ask yourself:
- Are there specific factors at this school that are worsening my mental health?
- Have I tried seeking support through campus resources?
- Would I feel better in a different academic or social setting?
“Before transferring to another college, reflect on the factors that may be influencing your depressed mood. Seek help from a professional therapist who can guide you in the exploration of the causes of the depression that is affecting your academic success.”
– Talkspace therapist Dr. Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
If you think your depression is linked to academic stress, social isolation, or other factors likely to exist at another school, transferring may not be the right solution. However, if the environment itself — such as a toxic social atmosphere or lack of mental health resources — is a contributing factor, a change might be worth considering.
How transferring might impact your mental health
While transferring colleges might seem like a fresh start, it’s important to keep in mind the challenges it can bring, too. Adjusting to a new campus, making new friends, and navigating different academic expectations can be a lot to handle on top of dealing with depression in college. Some important considerations include:
- Will I feel more isolated starting over in a new place?
- How will transferring affect my graduation timeline and academic progress?
- Will I have access to better mental health resources or be closer to my support system at the new school?
The emotional toll of starting over
Starting over at a new college can feel like both an opportunity and a heavy burden. Right now, you might be hoping that a new environment will make things easier, but there’s also the fear of losing what little stability you have. Leaving behind familiar faces, routines, and even professors who know your story can be difficult.
If you’re struggling with depression in college, the uncertainty of transferring might amplify feelings of isolation and self-doubt. Will things actually be better at the new school, or will the same challenges follow you? These are tough questions, and it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right now. The key is making sure that your next step isn’t just about escaping, but about moving toward a place that truly supports your well-being.
Alternative Options to Consider Before Transferring
No matter what you’re going through, transferring isn’t the only option. Before deciding to transfer, it’s worth exploring mental health tips for college students that can help improve your well-being without starting over at a new school. Small adjustments—like seeking counseling, modifying your academic workload, and building a support system—can make a big difference. Many colleges have accommodations and resources in place to assist students with mental health challenges, and using them can help improve your situation without the stress of starting over elsewhere.
Seeking counseling and support services
Many colleges offer mental health resources, including counseling centers, therapy sessions, and support groups, often at little to no cost to students. If you haven’t already, consider reaching out to college mental health services to explore therapy for depression before making a decision on transferring.
Academic adjustments and extensions
If coursework feels overwhelming, academic accommodations can help lighten the load while you prioritize your mental health. Reach out to your advisors and professors to ask about extending deadlines or reducing your course load. If you receive pushback or don’t know where to start, reach out to your school’s disability services departments — they can point you in the right direction and advocate on your behalf.
Social support and building connections
“To build a support network students could reach out to other students to start conversations and make new connections, or join student organizations, social clubs, and volunteer groups. There are also many community support groups that can be helpful for students who are feeling isolated.”
– Talkspace therapist Dr. Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
Taking a leave of absence
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to take a step back. If depression in college is making it impossible to keep up, taking a mental health leave of absence might give you the space to focus on healing without the pressure of academic deadlines. Many colleges allow students to take time off and return when they’re well.
If you take time off and still don’t feel better, that’s okay — transferring to a different school is still an option. A leave of absence can still help you heal and give you time to consider all your options before deciding whether or not to permanently transfer.
When Transferring May Be the Right Choice
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your current college just isn’t the right fit. Maybe you picked your school based on prestige, and now you realize it doesn’t align with your needs. Or maybe you thought going somewhere far from home would be an exciting adventure, but now you crave the familiarity and support of being closer to family. Transferring might also be the right move if:
- The school is more expensive than you thought, and the student loans are going to be a burden after you graduate
- The academic environment isn’t meeting your needs or is adding unnecessary stress
- The campus culture feels toxic or poorly suited to your needs
- Your college lacks adequate mental health resources to support you
Get the Help You Need First
Before making any drastic decisions, take a moment to check in with yourself. Have you explored all your options? Have you reached out for support? Making an informed decision about transferring starts with prioritizing your mental health.
Talking to a therapist can help you determine whether transferring is the right move. Talkspace offers online therapy designed for students, making it easy to get professional support without adding more stress to your schedule. Online therapy with Talkspace can provide you with a convenient and accessible way to help process your emotions and thoughts about your current situation.
No matter what you decide, you deserve a college experience where you can thrive — not just academically, but emotionally, too.
Sources:
- American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III: Reference Group. Executive Summary Fall 2022. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2023. https://www.acha.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NCHA-III_FALL_2022_REFERENCE_GROUP_EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY.pdf
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