I could use some advice. I'll elaborate more if necessary.

Three options:

1) Single Bedroom Apt.
Pros - Alone, less distractions.
Cons -
* Judging from my 2nd year in the dorms (most of my friends were elsewhere and I didn't bother to find new ones), I become predisposed to hermitdom which leads to lots of physical sickness, poor health choices, depression, and a huge loss of motivation
*I have to cater to the whims of those around me (especially noise)
*usually no washer/dryer, etc.

2) Rent house just out of town w/ 3 roommates.
Pros -
* Prevents me from becoming a total hermit, don't have to worry about neighbors as much.

* Two are ex-military fitness nuts, and they do a good job of motivating me when it comes to my health.

Cons -
* Potential roommates aren't entirely supportive and don't think I'll pull off running a business, all have a lifetime employee mentality (An acquaintance mentioned starting a part time PC repair biz out of the home since we all have a lot of hard/software repair experience, and my friends retorted with "Do you realize how much competition there is for that in this town?" I found the comment rather humorous since 2 of the 3 people haven't lived in town at all for the past 4 years, and obviously haven't done a speck of research. They wouldn't even consider doing it as a part time deal on the side.)

* They are much more lax with their spending and assume I am the same way (they're already planning on furnishing the basement, adding a pool table, bar, big screen, jacuzzi, brand new furniture (yeah, they really can't afford all this, they just think they can), and will probably expect me to go .25 on all these purchases. In general, I think there will be a rift between me and them once we move in which will just get worse over time, as they'll try to pressure me into going along with their decisions and be miffed when I don't bend anymore.

*They have millions of preconceptions about my actions/behavior (which I'm trying to change, and I'm doing a decent job around it, I just get pushed back into the old behavior when I'm around them).

3) Leave city/state, take out loans, go to school full time, live in dorms again.
Pros - Gets me out of the city finally, allows me to start fresh somewhere new where there aren't so many people with so many preconceptions of who I am and how I'm supposed to act that it influences me indirectly.
Cons - F****** loans. I don't want those hanging over my head when I graduate, especially if I'm going small business.

4) Other - Insert here?

Current conditions: 22 years old, with parents (long story), finally out of the red (although I don't have a whole lot in the bank), working full time in a temp job (indefinite length) at Verizon, taking a couple night classes, constantly distracted, needing to leave the house as soon as possible. I have a desire to stay in school (doesn't matter where), mostly to take some business classes (my weakest area, and most pertinent to my goals) and network with some people who have similar goals, design and develop my first (marketable) game. My house is a horrible environment for concentration, for my physical health, and for my mental sanity. I've made virtually NO progress on any of this while I've been there, which is why I must get out and not just stay home and operate with little expenses. (I've made these goals about 3 months ago and the only progress they've seen is when I'm not home.)

I also wouldn't mind traveling to a different country sometime, like around the world, or at least Japan/Korea/Italy :), but I've decided they can wait until I have more assets coming in.

So, based on the given information, what should I do? I'm going to take a trip to the woods and do a lot of thinking about the situation this weekend, but I'd like some outside opinions from minds who don't have hands dirtied in the situation beforehand.

Well, I love the space I am in right now for several reasons... I share a large house with three roommates, but I have a bedroom and a seperate office. It is *much* cheaper to share living space like this! You should budget wherever possible. As for sharing expenses with your potential new roommates, just discuss with them up front what your expectations are, and what you are willing to participate in. If you talk about it ahead of time, you shouldn't have a problem.

As for distractions... don't your potential roommates have jobs? You'll have the place to yourself all day, just like I do, if you are a full-time indie developer. (unfortunately, I Just got a full-time job myself :( )

And hey, if I could live in my parent's basement, I'd do that in a heartbeat! :D

1. Personally, I really liked living alone, but it sounds like you do not do well under these conditions. However, I will note that you can find quiet apartments or single-bedroom homes that come with washer/dryers.

2. I would avoid this like the plague. Sure, they're probably great guys, but they are going in a totally different direction and you strongly imply they do not support what you are doing. If they don't support it or respect it, you can depend on them interrupting it all the time.

Also, the expensive toys sound like a disaster, both financially and in terms of distractions.

3. A fresh start can be cool, as long as you really are leaving the old baggage behind. If you went to a game programming school, you would surround yourself with like-minded people which can be very motivating. Like you said, the loans are going to hurt. Can you apply for grants, scholarships, etc? Or go to a cheap school? Or maybe work part time, although I am against that for students...you end up not getting as much out of the school you're trying to pay for.

Atually, Living alone (1) seems a good choice, if possible, go for two rooms, though.

It really helps to have seperate work and bedroom/living areas.

As for (2) avoid this, but maybe there are other people you could live with?

I am now (since 4 years) living with my g/f and it is great.

Hermitdom is really a concern when living alone.

:::emp:::