Hi! I was accepted to Princeton SCEA, but it’s not looking too affordable right now unless I can commute to campus and cut out the ~$15000 room & board from the cost of attending.
Does anyone have any experience with living off campus as a freshman?
You can’t.
Do you live nearby?
Does your financial aid offer match your NPC results and/or EFC?
My understanding is that freshmen/sophomores are required to live on campus but this is a question you might pose to the housing and/or admissions departments. Nearly all students do live on campus - it is rare for even juniors and seniors to live off campus. One reason is that living in the Princeton area is extremely expensive and for most students there would be little to no cost savings. Additionally the residential colleges are fun and often closely knit communities which is one of the most significant components of Princeton undergraduate life. But as I mentioned it would be worth asking admissions or the housing department.
Although you probably would be able to find off campus housing, I doubt you find find a room for less than $800/month. Then you’d have to sign a lease for the entire year. By the time you add in parking and board you are close to the $15k number.
I’m assuming the student would be living with parents in town, as this is the only possible exemption (and not that easy).