<p>I really would like to live off campus because my mom won't take care of my dog once I go to college and I really want to keep him. Also I just think it would be nicer to live in an apartment instead of a dorm. And I don't mean a community college I want to go to a regular college.</p>
<p>Disney Person - Can you tell us what area of the country you are in or what type of schools you are interested in - There are actually a large number of schools that will let a Freshman live off campus so it would help if we knew a bit more about where you want to go/major/that kind of thing.</p>
<p>Many state universities primarily serving students in their local areas do not require students within commuting distance to live in the dorms.</p>
<p>Going away to school can be very expensive. Most schools do not give enough aid to cover all those costs. Do you have the funds to pay for college and an apartment? </p>
<p>Usually the schools that do give a lot of aid, also require frosh to live on campus. </p>
<p>So, what is your situation? Do you have the money to pay? or do you need aid?</p>
<p>If you need aid, then that’s going to be a problem. Do you have a school that you can commute to from home?</p>
<p>Think long and hard about living off campus. If you plan to attend a school where most freshman dorm, social life will revolve heavily around the dorms and depend on just being available on campus at all times of the day and evening–harder to do if you have no place to put yourself in between classes. It could be very isolating. Any chance a friend would be willing to care for the dog just for your freshman year, so you could establish yourself on campus before getting an apartment?</p>
<p>Well I live in Missouri and I haven’t really discussed money and things with my parents. I would really like to live off campus if that means keeping my dog. Also I am like an artsy person I’m in the drama club, marching band, the honor concert band, and I sing.</p>
<p>Have you looked at Lindenwood University? (Doesn’t require students to live on campus and has a marching band, etc.</p>
<p>You do need to discuss with your parents how much they are willing to contribute to your college, and basic financial parameters to put into college net price calculators to get financial aid estimates.</p>
<p>What are your stats?
For the next couple weeks, you should try to take care of grocery shopping for the family, washing and drying the dishes and the clothes, and cooking 3 nights a week. If you can handle that in addition to walking your dog and high school responsibilities (homework, clubs, practice, job…) then you may be able to handle freshman year PLUS taking care of an efficiency apartment.
I understand your responsibility toward your dog - if your mother wouldn’t keep him and he’s yours, then yes he’s your responsibility. Obstacles will be cost - if you can’t afford to rent an apartment, you’ll have to commute and go to one of the nearest schools.</p>
<p>You might also take the opportunity to talk to you parents together about your dog and what your going off to college means for the dog. Not everyone in the family might have been supportive of jettisoning the dog when you leave for college. In addition, dog behavior can be modified by a professional if human-dog behavior is the problem.</p>