tldr: i've been on the waitlist for a college in an area i'd really like to move out to but i don't know what to do if i actually get accepted.
i've been stuck at home for my first gap year and this year i picked up some community college courses again. i really hate my home environment as it physically and mentally exhausts me just existing in the same space as my parents which led me to apply to schools in california. i got accepted to one in norcal but i'd like to be based in socal (aka the school i'm on the waitlist for. i've been actively checking my email and the application status website since april but only realized now that results would be announced in may.
each time i check my application status, it says to be prepared with a backup plan. my default plan was accepting that i would have to stay home another year and finish up my last few credits for an associate's at community college. i don't want to get my hopes up but i'm stuck at how to plan for mainly moving out into a new apartment.
it's probably much more expensive to live in an apartment than in the dorms, but the logistics and risk behind using public restrooms, dining halls, etc. already sicken me. so i know i would need at least one roommate (preferably cc). i've never really done a big move before, and have never been on a plane.
so my biggest questions are: how can i coordinate securing an apartment listing/lease while not being there physically?
what is the best way to find covid conscious roommates in socal? (i can discuss the specific area in dms if anyone is willing to connect me with others)
what would be the most efficient way to pack/move my belongings to a new place?
less important question: i would like to bring my cat with me but i'm not sure how the transport/process works.
i'm at a point where i feel really lost but i really hope i get the opportunity to move out soon. any and all help is much appreciated.