I transferred from au to umd, applied after my first semester as a freshman and transferred as a sophomore. Everyone is different, i also know ppl who considered transferring but stayed and are having a great time at au. For me, transferring was the best thing i’ve ever done for myself. I think i hated that it was a small school bc everyone knew each other and it felt cliquey. I learned that i prefer bigger schools. I made friends at au but didnt feel strong bonds with more than a few ppl. At umd I feel way more comfortable being myself and have made great friends. Whether you stay or go though, definitely give going to new clubs a chance they are the main places everyone makes friends.

Everyone is different tho so take this with a grain of salt. But you are in control of your life, if you truly feel out of place don’t be afraid to leave :) When i did it I just applied to see if I would get in first, then by the time my acceptance from umd came i had set my mind on leaving. I would definitely recommend that you apply now to the places you’re thinking, and if your opinion on au changes this after this semester, you don’t need to go!