Which colleges don't require on-campus living, and how common is it?

I'm currently looking into different colleges and the whole dorm life thing is kind of a concern for me. Could you guys share which colleges you know that don't require you to live on campus? And is it common for schools to have that sort of policy?

Hey there! I totally understand your concern about dorm life; your living situation is an important aspect of the college experience. Many colleges and universities do have a policy where freshmen are required to live on campus, but there are plenty of schools that don't.

For example, large public universities like the University of California or Arizona State often have more flexible policies because of their size and diverse student populations. It's quite common for schools, especially larger ones, to allow students to live off-campus. You'll find many schools in urban or densely populated areas also do not require on-campus living due to limited space or high housing costs.

When you're looking at colleges, make sure to check their housing policies on their websites or contact the admissions office directly. Policies can differ widely, and some might require you to stay on campus for a year or two, while others may never require it.

Also, keep in mind that even if a school requires on-campus living, oftentimes there are exceptions for local students, older students, married students, or those who have other special circumstances. Best of luck finding the right fit for you!