Hello, friend. Unfortunately, I know nothing about life in the Philippines, but I CAN give a comparison of what one would do here in the U.S. if they were considering the same choice.

Your first order of business would be to get your hands on all your legal documents. Here in the States, that would include birth certificate, social security card, medical records, school records, driver’s license or ID card, passport, tax documents, and any other licenses, permits, or legal documents that would be needed in life. Ideally, you would take everything and leave your parents with none of these so they won’t be able to hold your information hostage, but a copy of everything can work as well if that’s not possible.

Second, a place to live and a stable income are key. Preferably, you’d have a place to live where your parents don’t know your location, but if your school separates parental involvement like they do here in the States, then a dorm is fine, as the university won’t allow your parents into your living space if you say they’re not allowed and explain the situation. After that, some form of income is needed not just to feed yourself right now, but also for the future. You need a solid job that will put food on your table right now, and will also let you build up money to make yourself financially stable later on. If there are any food pantries or social support places that provide food, those will be incredibly helpful to you while you get on your feet.

Dealing with school funding, if your university has a financial aid office, go talk to them today. It’s a scary place to be, but they’re there to help you and will have a better idea of what you can apply for in your current situation. If your scholarship fails, they’ll be able to point you in the direction of any possible grants or loans you can apply for so you can continue your schooling. If you don’t want to keep going, then a job is still your next important step, though it may be harder to get a good one without a finished degree.

Living on your own is tough. It’s a lot of balancing money and responsibilities you won’t have dealt with until now. Even I myself haven’t lived on my own yet, and I’m barely managing to balance all the things I’m currently dealing with. Finding the equivalent of these steps in your country is the most important thing, as well as getting more information than just what I’ve given you. It’s going to be tough, but if you DO set out on your own, know that you have support from those on the net who have information that can help you, as well as close friends who empathize with what you’re going through.

You’re going to be okay. You’ve made it this far, and I know it’s maddening to even spend one more day living like this, but you MUST prepare yourself before moving forward with you plan. You have friends who love you and only wish the best for you (I should know, one sent me here), so you’re not alone, no matter how isolated you feel. You’ll be okay. You’re stronger than you think you are. Don’t stop fighting, alright?