Surfing Waves

I'm a total newbie to surfing at the moment, went about a total of five times, but I am absolutely in love with it. I currently have been taking lessons once a week, but at the end of October I'm leaving my job and have a lot of free time because I'm not planning on getting a job again until after January. During those three months I plan to take lessons at least three times a week, but the goal would be 4-5 times per week. I understand that there is A LOT that goes into learning how to surf on your own, and was wondering if with my current goals of getting out on the water an average of 4 times per week, if I would get good enough to go out regularly on my own.

In addition to that, I have my own 8ft board, but I don't use it because in my lessons the instructor gives us a 9ft board. I was wondering if anyone could explain to me what the transition from the 9ft to the 8ft board will be like, for when I want to go out on my own. On some occasions, I would only have access to a 7"6' board if I wanted to go surfing, what would that transition be like?

Also any surfing tips in general would be super helpful! I really appreciate it!

What would help us to give you advice is your:
1) Height
2) Weight
3) Age
4) What type of surf break ( reef, beach, point )
5) What is your currently ability ( just going straight in the whitewater, riding on the open face, turns )
6) 8 foot board a Sponge or Hard board

A) Do you have friends who you can go surf with ?
B) Does the instructor push you into waves or let's you paddle into them by yourself ?
C) What other sports do you play ?

One answer is how long is a piece of string!
Now the real answer will be based on thevquestions waikikichan ask you!
Water time on an effective board
An answer to that will based omnioutliner replying there!
8ft is not a bad point to start from 9ft might be better!
If you learn how to read a beach and understand rips and currents and are capable swimming and have knowledge in ensuring your own safety then surfing with or near a small group is an option ( know surf etiquette though) beginners on their own is not a good option!

Hopefully you find friends to surf with

Mate I have a 8ft and a 9ft. You’re going to catch a lot more waves with a 9ft board, so you’ll improve more quickly and have heaps more fun.
The 9ft board paddles heaps easier and is more stable, the 8ft is more nimble, turns easier.