Well, I moved to Vancouver from Edmonton about a month ago, and I'm living alone for the first time in my life. I'm 18 and I'm going to start school pretty soon, and I'm pretty much enjoying living on my own, having the freedom to do what I want and not have to worry about bothering someone else. But, ultimately, I'm having a really hard time adjusting. I don't know a lot of people, and money's really tight so I'm winding up stuck in my apartment a lot. The worst part of this is the fact that I'm stuck thinking about how much I miss my family and friends, as well as a lot of other things.
I've always been really close to my mom, so being 12 hours away from her is hard for both of us. I was trying to pretend I was alright, but I'm really starting to miss her. I talk to her almost every day still, but it's not the same. I also recently broke up with my boyfriend (for reasons that could fill a whole other thread) two weeks ago or so, and I miss the companionship and affection of being with somebody. I'm also starting to feel guilty about all that my parents have sacrificed financially to see that I get through school, because they basically threw themselves back into debt to make sure I would be able to afford my tuition and other school fee's. Add on post-breakup blah's and I'm starting to feel really stressed out.
This is just more of a rant than anything else, but I'm also sort of hoping someone on the forums can give me some advice, on dealing with living alone. I'm starting to feel like I made a mistake moving out here, but I really know that's a load of crap, because moving to Vancouver has always been a dream of mine. Yet still, I'm having a really hard time getting used to being on my own, away from everyone I love. Please, any advice would be hugely appreciated.
Once you get into the rhythm you'll be fine, my sister moved out at 15. she is now 22 and quite happy.
Nyanners, IDK how much this will help, but if you ever need company, let me know! I don't do much and at the moment, I'm unemployed, so I'm usually available.
My number is 778-938-0045, and you can text or call at any hour (literally, I don't sleep much nowadays).
Also, come to fur meets! It'll make things easier if you meet people. Some of my best friends, I met because of fur meets, or just bothering people on the forums until they did shit with me. (Seriously - met Sevrin because of Gizmo's potluck. Met PurpleVeggie because I offered free tickets to TheatreSports, and she introduced me to SkyWind, Brittany-Shadowwolf and Malicious. Without these people in my life, I would have lost it after my oldest friend moved to Chicago.)
There's furry bowling tonight, why not come along? If you need it, I *might* be able to pay for your bowling. :3
Rei: That's what I figure, but it's taking me a lot longer than I thought it would haha
Murphy: Wow that's really kind of you ^^ I've gone to Games Night a few times, but it's awkward, being the new fur in town and all heh. Also you don't have to pay for my bowling if you don't want to, I didn't register so their might not be room for me anyways
Vancouver takes a bit to get used to, ;)
The best advice I have, is make friends. Furmeets are good ways to do that. Come to Gizmo's potluck next week! That was the first meet we went to. Lots of friends, good food, and I'm bringing delicious cake. Of the black forest variety. ;D They do tend to get a little crazy though.
check out your local youth resource center; if you can get past the cheesiness of the staff (who are probably all 40 something but think they're 20) they can bring friendships, and often offer free activities like game nights, or nights where they teach you how to make certain dishes.
meet-up.com can be good for finding low income activities.
and of course never forget your fellow students. My half-sister moved to Vancouver from Nova Scotia, and her best friends in Van were both classmates of hers.
If you can get a hold of an "entertainment" coupon book, do it. Use it as an excuse to explore. There's another coupon book thats similar, but i have no idea what its called.
Walk through stanley park. bring a camera. Feed the swans at lost lagoon, and watch the sunset from Prospect Point.
Get familiar with the city, it'll feel a little more like home each day. :)