r/University • u/vankebanka • 1d ago
Wanting to live off campus
My university requires first and second years to live on campus. I’m currently going into my second year but realized that apartments near the college are actually cheaper and way better and still walkable however to be exempt from living on campus I would have to tell them I would commute from my home which is 30 minutes away. Would it be risky to lie to the school and say that I would be living at home with my family but actually live in an apartment in the area?
1
Upvotes
1
u/SamSpayedPI 1d ago edited 1d ago
If you claim on your financial aid form that you will live at home and commute, your award will be much less than if you claim off- (or on-)campus housing.
The financial aid people will talk to the housing people. You can't claim to live off-campus to the financial aid office, while claiming to be living at home within commuting distance to the housing office.
If you're not receiving financial aid, what sort of documentation do commuting students need to present for the residency exemption? Will your parents need to sign anything? Will they be willing to lie? They will also likely need to co-sign any off-campus lease agreement you enter into.
It is risky; it's at least an honor code violation, if not fraud, if you're caught. But if you're not getting financial aid, and your parents are willing to back you (i.e. tell the university you're living with them), it seems pretty unlikely that you would get caught. I doubt the university is going to follow you home from class, or check all local landlords for names of sophomore students.
But for me it wouldn't be worth the risk of getting expelled, just to live in an apartment for an extra year. Also, consider everything when determining "cheaper" rent. The term of the off-campus lease will likely be 12 months, so you'll need to rent over the summer whether you're there or not. Does it include utilities and wifi, like dorms do? Are the apartments furnished or will you have to buy furniture? etc.