<p>My son has had a terrible time adjusting. Many, many mistakes. He was always under COA of the college while there, but could not manage his finances outside. Used his ATM card like his university card and would get himself in trouble that way. Also could not get it that the world outside of the campus is not as forgiving in terms of getting drunk, illegal substances, etc. Also when you are out in the "real" world, people are not preselected as they are in a college setting and you have to be much more careful.</p>
<p>Thanks to all for your input. My worries are mostly based on one possible scenario--there is a good postgrad program for her in NYC but it is part of City College that has no dorm accommodation. Finding a place to live is not the issue --I grew up in the City and know how to handle that but even though New York is a lot safer than it used to be , it's not "safe" in a way that gives much comfort to a nervous mother. I still feel her "street smarts" are underdeveloped, although they have gotten better and her appearance is
"young" and not at all tough. Budgeting would not be a big problem for her but the loneliness of living alone and the time-burden of minimal housekeeping might be-- she is conscientious about academic work but lets almost everything else slide.</p>