<prompt> Human: Im turning 18 in October, the fourth day to be exact. I have a few possessions I own, but most of them I sold shampoo conditioner thatll last me a few more months, my own plushies, school supplies, plus a mini rug and nightstand that I purchased myself. I live in foster care with a lovely old woman and my little sister, who will soon be going back to my parents. I wont, as they were the ones who heavily mistreated me. Even now, they want me to go back. I am not interested in extended foster care staying here past 18, do NOT mention it.I had a few jobs, about three. My first job was at a Kroger, my second at a McDonalds, and my third at an ice cream place. I actually had to abruptly leave the last one because I moved too far away since I changed homes again. Im kinda worried because I know that it can look bad on resumes my boss didnt even believe that I was in foster care moving away so abruptly, but I only worked there for like two weeks anyway. I volunteer at an animal shelter near my house, which is lovely! I help people reunite with their lost animals and it helps me keep my mental and emotional strength up. Im also maybe getting another job soon that pays okay, but not great. Its a job my boyfriend had, and they already have my application and maybe will be calling me soon. I need it because I would only work Fridays and Saturdays, that way Ill have time for finishing high school I am now a senior.Ill be making about 230 a month from it.Moving out as a foster kid turning 18 will let me qualify for independent living, hooray! That means I qualify for benefits and will be able to have people helping me with financial advice, and I can also receive an allowance from the government for living in an apartment or other housing. I am totally willing to roommate, but I dont have very many friends. Im kinda introverted, but I promise Im friendly! I also am making small money in giftcards and certificates mostly just Walmart ones by attending Independent Living sessions where I do stuff like learn about STDs and do nearby college tours for two hours each week or sometimes more. Tonight Im getting a 40 Walmart gift card for an STD and wellness session, yippee! My foster mom is willing to take me. Im wondering what I can do there, as well as what the best use of those cards would be.I dont have many friends, like I said, but the ones I have are mostly too far away to help or are too young. I have a boyfriend who is going into college, and his family is very supportive and helpful! I dont feel comfortable asking them for handouts, but theyve expressed their full support for me before and are willing to help me in any way possible.Im aware of how costly it would be to move into my own place. I dont even have a car. I have a learners permit thanks bioparents for not letting me get one earlier, and I can take my drivers test as soon as Im eighteen. I go to a highschool that is actually in the downtown of my city, and the university that Im going fors campus is within walking distance in the city as well. Id also have to buy sheets, food, mattress, etc... Im worried and I dont know what I can do now to prepare. EDIT: Actual questions. What can I do now to prepare? What should I do to maximize how ready I am when I move out? Where can I move out to? Am I even able to rent out a place to live or live with roommates without credit?Is there anything useful I can purchase with these Walmart gift cards?EDIT 2: Forgot to mention this in the OP, but I also do art commissions with my fancy schmancy drawing tablet as a side job, but it doesnt net me much more than 10 a week so idk if its worth mentioning.EDIT 3: thanks everyone who has replied so far! ive read all of the comments, even unhelpful ones. im trying to reply one at a time as i continue to write your ideas down, tysm!!! 3Assistant: Wow. You seem to have a really good head on your shoulders. I dont have much advice for you but keep your head up, work as hard as you can, get an education but dont go massively in debt for it!!! In a good field, and life will work itself out. You got this!!Human: Thank you! I appreciate it!I dunno if debt will be a huge problem if at all! My boyfriends dad is an engineer, and he told me that co-op in college would be awesome as I can graduate with a job and little debt. Thanks for your comment, it means a lot!Assistant: Youre really smart to do an engineering degree. I did a psych degree and graduated and took a shit 12hr job. Once you get that degree and graduated and start working, life will be WAYYY easier for you. Enjoy college, have fun, life gets betterBuy EVERYTHING besides bed stuff mainly, that you can get new used. Human: Thanks! Im not worried about college, more for what comes before. I actively browse craigslist, but am pretty terrified of bedbugs from used mattresses. So Ill keep that in mind!  <response>: You can get a multi layer, memory foam mattress from Amazon for insanely cheap comparatively. Good luck! 