Big dreamer

Dear itchy feet

The economic tsunami has hit so many of us in different ways. People have lost their jobs and homes; luckier losers have had to cancel holidays and shop less. It's a trying time for us all.

Unfortunately, overseas education is a massive investment. I'm sure it's not true that your parents aren't trying to find a way to help you fulfil your dream, but just compare prices: annual tuition fees for Hong Kong University, for example, costs a bit more than HK$40,000; studying at a London university costs around ?12,000 (HK$152,000); a public university in the United States charges around US$20,000 (HK$155,000) a year, and private universities are even pricier. And that's before living costs.

You have two practical solutions. The first is to alter your expectations slightly, and accept that you may not be able to live your dream - yet - and do an undergraduate degree in Hong Kong. Then look into post-graduate course after a few years of work if you're really set on your subject.

The second option, and the one I'd recommend if you're serious about studying overseas, is to take a gap year. Live at home, get a job and save every cent you can. If, at the end of the year, you can show how committed you are to your education, and prove you can help pay your way, maybe your parents will be ready to take a second look at their finances.

Dear Josh

I don't know if this is even a serious enough problem to write in about. I think I might be boring. I have a few really good mates, and we play online games a lot. Sometimes we go to the cinema. I also play squash for the school sometimes. But that's it - most of my life is spent in front of the computer.

I'm perfectly content with my life, but I'll start university in a year, and it's just starting to hit me that maybe I won't make friends if I don't become more interesting - and fast.

Dishwater boy

Dear may-be-dull

Good on you for feeling comfortable with the way you are. But yes, you're onto something. While I'd be the last person to suggest you change who you are fundamentally, there's nothing wrong with expanding your horizons, especially before you leave the people who know and accept you the way you are.

You're far from full-blown hermithood, so take the things you already do, and look beyond. You play some squash, so why not try other racquet sports? You watch some films, so how about checking out a film club? Or start your own - invest in some classic films, watch them with your mates and read up on them.

When you get to uni, you'll find there's a society for pretty much anything you're interested in. Take the year you've got before you leave school to get to know yourself better. Uni life is far more enjoyable if you're ready to make the most of it.

Dear Toni

I really, really, really want a boyfriend. All my friends have one this year and I feel so left out. How can I get one if boys don't even talk to me?

Sorry singleton

Dear lonesome

First thing you need to do is ask yourself why you want a boyfriend. Is it because you're sick of being the odd one out in your friendship group? Is it to have someone to go to movies and dinner with?

I can't say these are all bad reasons (heck, I've been there myself) but they're not good ones. A relationship is a serious time and emotional commitment between two people. It's nothing like what you see in books and movies, and probably isn't like what your friends tell you.

No two relationships are the same, but more often than not they are time-consuming, and can even make you feel bad about yourself.

At the same time, being with a good boyfriend can also be deeply meaningful. But it must be with the right guy.

The key is to remain open-minded to the possibility of a boyfriend, but not to get desperate. Get on with your life and let things develop naturally and slowly if the chance arises. The more time you spend just waiting, the longer it will take to find the right guy for you.

Focus on enjoying yourself - join clubs and activities, meet new people and have fun. The more you seem to enjoy your life, the more attractive you'll appear to potential boyfriends.

speak up!