<![CDATA[General Background Adolescence represents a critical developmental stage where individuals must adapt to new roles and cultivate psychological maturity. Specific Background Numerous university students from regions with limited access, such as Sintang Regency, must migrate and live away from their parents to pursue better educational opportunities. Knowledge Gap Previous literature predominantly explores general student adaptation, leaving the specific dynamics of emotional independence among migrant adolescents during physical separation largely unexplored. Aims This qualitative study investigates how migrant students from Sintang Regency navigate their emotional development while living apart from their parents for educational purposes. Results In-depth interviews with four students aged 17 to 21 revealed that physical separation forces gradual independence through managing homesickness, overcoming fears, and fulfilling daily needs. The developmental process explicitly reflects four dimensions: nondependency, individuation, viewing parents as people, and de-idealization. Migrant students successfully navigate environmental adaptation challenges without requiring direct parental presence, yet they consistently maintain strong long-distance support. Novelty This research demonstrates that achieving psychological maturity during physical separation does not sever familial bonds but rather transforms direct dependency into a balanced, mature distant relationship. Implications Educational institutions and parents should provide supportive long-distance communication frameworks that encourage self-reliance without restricting the adolescent's independent decision-making processes. Highlights Physical separation compels young adults to manage homesickness and fulfill daily obligations independently. Psychological maturity manifests through nondependency and viewing family figures from highly realistic perspectives. Consistent long-distance communication preserves supportive bonds while fostering independent decision-making processes. Keywords Emotional Autonomy; Migrant Students; Psychological Maturity; Environmental Adaptation; Long Distance Support]]>
