The actual difference between a community college and a university is that a community college is generally a school offering associates degree programs and other two year or less programs, as well as transfer preparation for those who want to transfer to universities. They are typically open admission, although some popular programs like nursing may be hard to get into. In contrast, a university offers at least bachelor’s degree programs, and is commonly selective.
While many see the college experience to be a residential one, it is likely the most college students commute to local schools from where they lived before college, whether they attend community colleges or universities.
The residential college experience is often a luxury for those with enough parental money, or who have high end academic credentials to get into colleges with good financial aid, or earn enough scholarships.