023. Moving Out and On

tldr: covid really threw a wrench into all of our plans, huh

My friend group and I weren’t really ready to let each other go this year. That was even before we knew that two of the three of us would be moving across the country for university. And before we went on quarantine [but let’s face it, who could have seen that coming]. Don’t get me wrong– I have seen the end of Toy Story 3. I know that going to university can be a very painful experience. I guess I just thought that I would be spending this summer with my friends: getting coffee, late night drives, and trips to the roller rink. Clearly, that didn’t happen [for a very good reason. Please be social distancing y’all].

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That being said, I still want to leave Fresno this fall. I spent the last few [however many] years chasing down the light at the end of the tunnel that is Fall 2020. Being in this house for another 6 months is going to drive me insane. To be fair, this is partially my fault, having spent so much time just itching to leave.

First and foremost, I have been able to save up quite a bit over the last few months. This is heavily due to Covid, and not being able to spend most of my afternoons sipping coffee at The Revue. I am not quite sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Money = Good, No Coffee Before Leaving = Sad. In any case, even if I don’t have a job this fall (hopefully this won’t be the case), I have enough to make it at least seven months on rent, with roommates. The question is just, where to move. So now to play a little game called: What. Are. My. Options!

1. I could apply for emergency housing at MIT. The likelihood of this happening is, very very low. On the one hand, I have enough money for rent, so I wouldn’t want to take a room away from someone who needs it more. And on the other, I feel like I would feel sadder being so close to campus, given that campus life this year will be wack.
2. A group of friends and I are looking at moving to Cambridge.
   Pros:
   It would be our own place, and it would be close to other communities that are housing together from MIT. Plus, it’d be easy to move onto campus in Spring.
   Cons:
   Rent, but even then it’s not like I can’t pay my part. Part of what makes it scary is the idea of everyone pulling their weight, which is more irrational than anything.
3. Moving to New York with the same group of friends.
   Pros:
   Slightly cheaper rent, and still very close to MIT. One of the friend’s family is in New York, which can help make my parent feel more at ease (although I doubt that may ever be achieved).
   Cons:
   See option 2 cons.
4. Staying in Fresno.
   Pros:
   Safety and familiarity.
   Cons:
   Safety and familiarity.

It is difficult to put into words how much I need to get out of this house. And not just in a ‘I have been on quarantine for 3 months’ type vibe. I honestly think that moving out is the next step for me. It sucks that it is happening this way, as opposed to moving in East Campus, but it is what it is.

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The good news is that upon packing for my trip to Bellflower, I realized most everything I need/want I can fit into my small suitcase. [Is that sad? I don’t know.] So all I would really need is a suitcase and a box of books I want to bring, and I would be set. It is just, a lot of decisions to make, and not a lot of time to do it. I miss my high school teachers, friends, and coffee shops, and I haven’t even left Fresno yet. Would I have felt this way anyways if things were normal right now? Will we be able to return to normal?

I know that moving out is the right plan, it is just a question of which option to go with. But here we are: three weeks left in summer classes, and one month before I move to the east coast. It is like working on a group assignment with people who all mean well and are helpful: you love to see it, but it doesn’t make it any less stressful. More updates to come as this situation unfolds.

Paige