The student who attends a college close to home can do so in “commuter” or “suitcase” mode, but, if on-campus or near-campus living is affordable, also has the option of doing so in “residential” mode.
Basically, here are the possibilities, assuming no parental requirements beyond cost limits:
- Close to home, can only afford to commute: must attend in “commuter” mode.
- Close to home, can afford to live on-campus or near-campus: student choice of “residential”, “suitcase”, or “commuter” mode.
- Not close to home: must attend in “residential” mode.