I kind of understand your pain redhead. I'm in college myself and am considered still "too young" by my parents to do anything. They won't even let me ever leave the country for study or a trip. What can you do though? They help pay the bills, and even if you are still in school, the gov' still sees you as their problem till your 21.
Anyways, scope around, try to talk with people. I see the benefits in hiking with a partner for the sole reason that you don't have to carry everything yourself. Having a partner means you can split up the equipment between the two packs and you carry lighter. That said, if you guys get separated, that might mess you both over.