<p>I'm not sure this is the most appropriate section for my post, but here goes...</p>
<p>I'm going to be a Freshman this coming fall (2011) and I am very stressed about whether I should live on campus or live at home. </p>
<p>A few months ago on my university account website (lists classes, finaid, housing, etc.) a
category for "Financial Aid" showed up. It only listed one figure- the total EFC and nothing else. On a whim, I checked the site again about two weeks ago, and BAM! Along with the EFC is the category "Estimated Need". This got me very excited! I started the application for housing and almost finished it. But, the final step was a deposit/prepayment of $400. After discussing this with my Mother we made a judgement call and paid the money.
All fine and dandy, but there is one more thing...</p>
<p>My father has absolutely no clue that I've done any of this.
I'm desperate to get out of my parents house begin to really live my life. My father is a complete jerk (verbally and mentally abusive) and is insisting that I'm going to live at home so he can check up on me and make sure that I'm doing my work and also citing money reasons as the deciding factors. He expects me to commute 30+ miles a day (sometimes more, and I don't even own a car, which he refuses to let me buy with my own money earned from my job.)
Add into the mix the fact that I'm also gay and my parents don't know anything about it, and I'm tired of having to be someone I'm not just to please them. </p>
<p>I'm so frustrated and scared about this entire situation.
Any words of advice or help?
Cheers!
P.S.- I apologize that this post is so long! :/</p>