AboutBruce Expertise Choosing a college, college admission processes, admission for homeschoolers, preparing for the college interview, searching for scholarships, Christian colleges & universities, colleges in general.
Experience 22 years in higher education, including eight in admission and financial aid, 15 years interviewing students for admission and places in honors programs, academic advising, transfer counseling.
Education/Credentials BA psychology. MA Behavioral Science
I am a high school junior researching different colleges and universities. I have narrowed my choices down to one, but there is one problem: on-campus living requirements. After weighing all the pros and cons of dorm/apartment life and personal options, I have decided living at home and commuting to school is the best possible option for me. I keep hitting brick walls with any university I research, though, because most require freshmen to live on-campus, which I fully understand. However, this is not the path I intend to take. The university I am strongly considering requires on-campus living for both freshmen and sophomore years. Is there any way I can get around these requirements and are they truly requirements or just highly recommended? Thank-you for your help!
~Anonymous
Answer Hi Anon,
Many schools say it is required; fewer actually do require it. The more slective the school, the more sway it can hold on matters like this. In this enrollment climate, most private colleges will be glad to have you either way. And most schols do make allowances for students that live close enough to commute, either with parents or other adult relatives.
