u/StillDiscoverin

I’m an incoming freshman

Hi! I'm an incoming freshman planning to take an engineering program, and I'm having a hard time deciding whether to stay in my hometown or study in Davao (either at ADDU or UM, which is around 5 hours away).

The reason I'm considering Davao is because of the schools themselves and the opportunities/ experience that could come with studying there. It's not really about the city life or having more freedom.

What makes this decision difficult is my family situation. I come from a single-parent household, and my mom is raising multiple children on her own, all of us are still studying. Every day, I see how stressed and exhausted my mom gets trying to balance work and responsibilities at home, so we try to help in anyway we can. More than that, I also want to be there for my family in general, not just for my mom.

I also want to clarify that I don't come from a toxic household, and my family fully supports whichever decision I make. My mom's okay with me staying or leaving for college. She's only worried that I won't be able to handle being alone (which is another factor I am considering).

Part of me feels that if I stay in my hometown, I'd be able to focus more on academics while still helping and being present for my family. But if I move to Davao, I'd have to learn how to manage everything on my own (school, rent, food, health, and finances).

I know staying is probably the safer and more practical choice, but I'm scared I might regret not
taking the chance to study at a school that could offer better opportunities for my future career.

I'd really appreciate any advice, especially from people who also had to choose between staying close to family or moving away for school.