Moving out and getting my own place? -

Edit: Sorry it turned out extremely long. But I have a point. Any help will be greatly appreciated. I m currently in high school and am finishing up grade 12. Next year I m planning on going to either McMaster, York, Western, or UofT for university. Whichever one I choose, I m planning on moving out of my current home. I really don t want to live with my parents anymore because: 1) Being an only child, I m pretty spoiled. I m also babied all the time, so I guess I m somewhat immature for my age as well. I don t take responsibilities like I should, and I m much too dependent on others. I think this has a lot to do with my parents, since whenever I have a problem, they come to my aid and don t let me solve my problems by myself. I ve discussed this with them, but eventually realized it won t work. I think moving out will probably force me to stop being dependent on others and become more responsible. 2) My parents are always telling me what to do. Okay so maybe I m being a bit of a child by saying quot;stop nagging me!quot;, but honestly...the simplest things...they have to TELL me to do it. I m not blaming everything on them (I understand, I m pretty irresponsible so they think they HAVE to tell me to do something or I won t do it). But, everything s just becoming too overwhelming. I m living under their roof so I suppose I HAVE to cooperate with them. 3) Their life-style is MUCH different than mine (or my choice of lifestyle). It s not that mine OR their choice of life-style is bad - just different. Now, FINALLY, my questions are: BEFORE MOVING OUT - what are some things I need to be aware of/keep in mind? Financially, what do I need to worry about? How much money do I need to get (rent) my own place (generally/average)? How are some ways I can earn that money (will one job be enough?)? Any safety factors I should keep in mind? AFTER MOVING OUT - how much money would I need to live by myself? Food, clothes, phone/internet bills, etc. What stuff should I be worrying about/keeping in mind? As you might have already figured out from the stuff above, I have absolutely NO IDEA as to what it takes to live alone. My parents are extremely traditional, and according to our culture, I m not really supposed to move out (except through marriage). When I told them I wanted to move out, they didn t really support me, not just because it s not in out culture, but also because they thing I m not ready/mature enough. I completely understand what they re saying. I have no idea how I will be able to live alone (I ve NEVER lived away from my parents...even for a sleepover). But honestly, if I don t learn to take responsibilities and become mature NOW..when will I?? I don t want to be one of those girls that has to depend on a man (or someone else) for everything!|::::|Many college students find that living at the college dorms will help support them through there financial needs during college. Many students prepare for their new life style by speaking to a school couselor or college counselor. This person will help you and find what is necessary for your city you live in. I am from a rural area so the information I give you about living cost probably wouldn t help. For example, if you rent an apartment it would cost about $400 to 500 a month. Food would probably be at least $200 a month and utilities about $350 a month. Some students live on college grants or loans because they do not have the time to work a full time job nor can they find a job that pays enough to cover expenses. Whatever you do, if you want to be independent, you will have to go to college and make sure you get a career or you won t be able to make expenses!!|::::|I hate to tell you this, but if you re asking these questions, you ARE NOT ready to live on your own. You seem pretty fortunate to have parents that will look after you for the time being. Take my advice. Go to school, finish your degree and then get a job to sustain yourself. Life has a way of throwing you curve balls. If you re not prepared to deal with it, the consequences could be serious. Growing up is a process. Life has a funny way of knocking people to the floor and if you re not prepared to deal with it, it could take a while to get up.