<p>If you are going to have an off-campus year anyway you should buy a condo in your name. Owning a homestead (cattle not required) makes you a Texas resident. If you have a couple of Rice students living with you and paying you rent the cost of owning a condo can be less than paying room and board at your college. You will need a place to live when you move on to BCM, and the savings from in state tuition will amortize your mortgage even if you live alone. If you have a couple of med students, Rice grads or even off campus undergrads paying you rent so much the better.</p>