College transfer advice: transfer or transient?

I'm considering switching schools, but I'm not sure whether to fully transfer or maybe become a transient student for a bit. Can anyone explain the differences and what might be the best choice?

Sure, I'd be happy to explain the difference between these two terms and provide some advice!

To start, a "transfer" student generally refers to a student who has started their undergraduate education at one institution and then permanently moves to another institution before finishing their degree. For these students, the transfer process involves applying to the new school, getting accepted, and then transferring any applicable credits from the previous school to the new school. It's vital to check the other school's transfer policies, as some of your credits might not count towards your degree at the new school.

On the other hand, a "transient" student (also known as a "visiting" student in some cases) is a student who temporarily takes courses at another institution, with the plan to return to their original school. This could be during a summer session or for a semester, for instance. As a transient student, you're normally receiving credit at your home institution for the courses taken elsewhere.

Whether you should transfer or be a transient student depends on your academic goals, satisfaction with your current institution, and personal preferences. If you're considering a different institution because it offers opportunities that your current school doesn't (such as a specific major, research, or internship opportunities, or a more stimulating academic environment), a full transfer might be the way to go. However, if you generally like your current school but see temporary benefits from studying somewhere else (perhaps a certain class, study abroad opportunity, or just a change of pace), being a transient student could be a good compromise.

Remember to talk with academic advisors at both your current school and the new institution before making a decision. They can provide important information on transfer policies or transient student arrangements and help guide you on the best course of action.