becoming a state resident

<p>I'm interested in state residency. Tuition is a much better price and if a student is moving to VA anyway, why not make the change in residency. I realize it will not effect the first year's tuition, but it will impact the last three years. Does anyone understand the process? The school's web site is a bit vague, but it seems you must establish residency, and independence. Getting a state driver's license, a home address, and showing support (a job?) seem necessary. Is it also necessary to have your own medical insurance and to no longer be counted as a dependent of your parents?</p>

<p>Unfortunately, it’s pretty much impossible to become an in-state resident for the purposes of going to school. A lot of people assume that if they move to Virginia and live there while going to school, they can get in-state tuition for the remaining three years of college even if they paid out-of-state for freshman year. Sadly, it doesn’t work like that; the rules governing it are laid out in the Code of Virginia, Section 23-7.4; you have to move and live here in Virginia for 12 consecutive months prior to starting school. </p>

<p>And, of course, you need all that stuff you mentioned; beginning to pay taxes here, getting a residence, etc. If your parents won’t be moving with you, it’ll be trickier; legally, you would be considered under their care if they claim you on their tax returns for the year preceding this one and / or receiving financial support from them. </p>

<p>It’s not impossible for you to get the good in-state residency, but it’s tough if you’re trying to move here specifically for the purpose of attending school.</p>