<p>slicmlic is exaggerating a little bit. But you could try to live in co-ops or even find an apartment through Craigslist.</p>
<p>I am an Asian mom and live in Fremont, too. From my own experience, I lived at home in my freshman year. I missed lots of college life. I don't want you to miss your college life like me. All of my friends' kids who go to Berkeley all live in the dorm. One friend lost his job, and he still managed to pay housing fee for his kid. Tell your dad that you will pay him back when you graduate. :)</p>