How to Get Out of Living in Dorms During the First Year of College

Many college students prefer living off-campus to sharing a dorm room.

The majority of U.S. college freshmen live on campus. Most colleges require students to live in dorms during their first year, unless they meet exemption requirements. While many students are happy to live on campus, there are some who have no desire to experience dorm life. If you want to get out of living in dorms during your first year of college, you have a few options available to you.

Instructions

1. Live at home with your parents.

2. Have your parents purchase a house in the area where you will attend college. They can sell the property upon your graduation, possibly recouping their investment.

3. Enroll as a part-time student. Register for less than 12 credit hours each semester during your freshmen year.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are married or have dependent children, furnish proof to your school's housing office for a housing exemption.

• If you decide to live at home with your parents, fill out a housing exemption form, have your parents sign it and submit it to your school.

References

• Studenomics: College Dorm Room Vs. Living At Home
• Zillow Blog: Live In The Dorm Or Buy A House
• EduQnA.com: True that you have to live in a dorm if you are freshman?
• Inside Higher Ed: Look Who's Living On Campus

Resources

• Siena Heights University: Housing Exemption Form
• Belhaven University: Housing Exemption Form