It's the middle of the night and all I can do is sit and watch Disney videos. I really want to sleep, but I just can't.
So many emotions and thoughts are flooding through me right now; I'm terrified, I'm excited, I want to go, I don't want to go, I'm afraid my roommate is going to suck, I'm so freaked out about having to do everything on my own, and I just want someone to be doing this with me.
I've made some friends already, but nothing is going to compare to what I have at home and that worries me. My one friend was making fun of me earlier because I've never really been away from home before, but it's a seriously odd feeling. The sudden realization that you have to make your own food, live in an apartment and pay rent and all of this other crazy stuff is really strange. These are all things that I was expecting to do when I was done with college or at the very least in a better position than I am now.
I don't think people really realize how expensive it is to just prepare for the program before you even get on property. There are so many expenses it isn't funny.
In order to save money for the first two weeks, Disney asks for two weeks worth of rent upfront, so instead of paying $100 at acceptance, you're paying $300 + a service charge, which rounds up to around $305. On top of the required fee upon acceptance, then you need to start figuring transportation costs, a hotel cost if you're staying somewhere before check-in, then all of the money that will be spent to prepare for the program. If you're staying on Disney property and you're forced to go to a moderate resort and you're flying in and you get a really expensive flight, you're put at almost $1000 just to get to the program. If you're like me and have a really terrible wardrobe because you don't ever buy any clothes, well, figure in a hefty cost just for clothing. Even more additional costs show up the first few weeks you're there when you need to buy your food (grocery bingo will clearly be my best friend) and other things, such as cleaning supplies, bedding (if you didn't buy it beforehand), and so much more. It's really stressful and I feel people really underestimate how costly it all really is. I can't even imagine how it is for the International College Program students.
Now, the roommate situation. I've talked to a few people, but we just haven't meshed. I haven't found someone where I've had an instant connection with. I have, but they already have roommates and I lost out my chance a while ago because I was too afraid to go with more than one bedroom. I've realized now that I totally would've been able to handle a multiple bedroom apartment now because I love the girls and they're so much fun. Oh, well. I'm used to missed opportunities. It's just so nerve-racking wondering who I'll be rooming with and I wish I could find someone now that I could just mesh with. It shouldn't bother me so much just jumping into things, but I'm very uncomfortable with not knowing who I'm rooming with because I'm not a confrontational person. I'm so terrified of being walked all over, or worse…
I have no idea. Maybe it's just really late right now and I'm just completely out of my mind, but I've had some of the same thoughts repeatedly. I guess the only thing that helps me out in the roommate department is something that my sister had done when she was working at Cedar Point…I will absolutely utilize that tactic if it comes down to it. It's probably the most fantastic and genius thing ever.
I guess I'll go for now. I need to watch some more Disney videos and cry some more because I can't help myself and can't believe I'm actually going to be there on Saturday.
So many emotions and thoughts are flooding through me right now; I'm terrified, I'm excited, I want to go, I don't want to go, I'm afraid my roommate is going to suck, I'm so freaked out about having to do everything on my own, and I just want someone to be doing this with me.
I've made some friends already, but nothing is going to compare to what I have at home and that worries me. My one friend was making fun of me earlier because I've never really been away from home before, but it's a seriously odd feeling. The sudden realization that you have to make your own food, live in an apartment and pay rent and all of this other crazy stuff is really strange. These are all things that I was expecting to do when I was done with college or at the very least in a better position than I am now.
I don't think people really realize how expensive it is to just prepare for the program before you even get on property. There are so many expenses it isn't funny.
In order to save money for the first two weeks, Disney asks for two weeks worth of rent upfront, so instead of paying $100 at acceptance, you're paying $300 + a service charge, which rounds up to around $305. On top of the required fee upon acceptance, then you need to start figuring transportation costs, a hotel cost if you're staying somewhere before check-in, then all of the money that will be spent to prepare for the program. If you're staying on Disney property and you're forced to go to a moderate resort and you're flying in and you get a really expensive flight, you're put at almost $1000 just to get to the program. If you're like me and have a really terrible wardrobe because you don't ever buy any clothes, well, figure in a hefty cost just for clothing. Even more additional costs show up the first few weeks you're there when you need to buy your food (grocery bingo will clearly be my best friend) and other things, such as cleaning supplies, bedding (if you didn't buy it beforehand), and so much more. It's really stressful and I feel people really underestimate how costly it all really is. I can't even imagine how it is for the International College Program students.
Now, the roommate situation. I've talked to a few people, but we just haven't meshed. I haven't found someone where I've had an instant connection with. I have, but they already have roommates and I lost out my chance a while ago because I was too afraid to go with more than one bedroom. I've realized now that I totally would've been able to handle a multiple bedroom apartment now because I love the girls and they're so much fun. Oh, well. I'm used to missed opportunities. It's just so nerve-racking wondering who I'll be rooming with and I wish I could find someone now that I could just mesh with. It shouldn't bother me so much just jumping into things, but I'm very uncomfortable with not knowing who I'm rooming with because I'm not a confrontational person. I'm so terrified of being walked all over, or worse…
I have no idea. Maybe it's just really late right now and I'm just completely out of my mind, but I've had some of the same thoughts repeatedly. I guess the only thing that helps me out in the roommate department is something that my sister had done when she was working at Cedar Point…I will absolutely utilize that tactic if it comes down to it. It's probably the most fantastic and genius thing ever.
I guess I'll go for now. I need to watch some more Disney videos and cry some more because I can't help myself and can't believe I'm actually going to be there on Saturday.
See ya real soon!
aw Caitlyn this is sad! this is Stephanie Bookout, we're friends on facebook & I follow you on tumblr... I feel exactly the same way! I just want you to know that you're not alone. I've luckily found roommates but EVERYTHING else I feel the exact same way! I didn't sleep until 4am last night. I try to avoid talking about it so I won't think about it. I just want you to know you're not alone & if you ever want to talk feel free! we can be friends!
ReplyDeleteokay I lied I don't think we're friends on fb but we've talked on the groups. I totally know who you are, anyways lol.
ReplyDeleteMan you me and andrew are definitely going to have to get together sometime this week before you go. Be strong. :)
ReplyDeleteCaitlyn,
ReplyDeleteI started College last September but in the U.K. most college accommodation is self-catered, so although you don't have to pay rent or bills until second year you do have to cook, clean and do laundry. I just wanted to assure you it's not as hard as it all seems and I know you'll be fine. I'm so excited for you! Hope you have a magical time.
RMR x