We have family within 5-10 miles of the consortium. To save money, is it possible for the student to live with them? Do they allow this exception? We’ve emailed their housing department as requested via DM but no response yet.
According to their website all first and second year must live on campus.
Try calling. This way you can chat with someone.
That said, IMHO it would defeat the purpose of attending if you did not experience the entirety of the school.
Find another LAC with merit …there’s tons of great ones…so your student take advantage of all their school has to offer.
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Thank you for checking. I did read that but didn’t see that with Mudd.
You said Pomona.
At HM 99% live on campus all four years.
In other words, if you’re not going to live at a college - any college - then it’s not right for your student.
If you want a fantastic experience, find one you can afford - there’s tons that give merit aid.
Good luck.
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How long ago did you message them?
Agree with the other poster, why go to Pomona (or any of the other 5Cs or other “intensely” residential colleges) if you’re not going to live on campus? Also, even for 3rd and 4th years, if you live off campus, your FA is reduced and you are still required to be on a meal plan. Not sure if 3rd and 4th years who “live at home” need a meal plan, but their FA will be significantly reduced, as well.
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There is not much point in attending an LAC such as Pomona if there is no desire to live on campus. A huge part of the LAC experience is the residential aspect. If the goal is to get a quality education for a lower price, there are many other colleges in So Cal that will work.
Frankly, I also can’t see Pomona admitting someone who isn’t going to live on campus. That spot could go to someone who wants to be there all four years and immerse themselves in the campus community.
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Thanks for your opinion, we probably won’t apply then. The chances would have been slim even if the student could stay on campus. One grandparent would really like the student to stay with her as she’s 80+ and wants to spend time with her. It happens that the 5C is so close and the student wanted to stay with the grandparent to help her out in the evenings.
It’s been 2 weeks, and I should call this week, but based on the responses, it may not work for us. It makes sense that the 5Cs would want a student to live on-campus.
More importantly it would make sense that your student, given what you are paying, would want the same.
Perhaps CPP could be a better option as it has many commuters so you’re less disadvantaged.
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Thanks for the tip, that’s interesting about Claremont. I had assumed that the 5Cs felt more like separate departments under one college with similar students but different interests. I wonder why Claremont is more commuter than the others.
CPP is Cal Poly Pomona. It is a state school (cal state university) that is not associated at all with the 5Cs.
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Edited to add that it has a lot of commuters.
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Ok got it! That makes sense now, thanks.
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I would say caring for an elderly relative is a ton of stress for a college student and greatly affects their own learning.
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It’s worth asking.
The concept of dorm living is a very American perspective. In most areas of the world, university students live with their families or in apartments/housing in the surrounding areas, not dorms exclusive to other students. They integrate into the greater community.
Of course, you are asking about US colleges but I strongly disagree with those who say that it’s not worth going to certain colleges if you aren’t willing or able to have exactly the same experience as all the other students. Your child’s path may be different but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile. Also, part of the value of a college experience is being exposed to some diversity of all kinds. Your child’s path and perspective would enrich the experience of others.
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Thank you for sharing, I appreciate it.
My student hopes to be a gerontologist one day. She takes care of one grandparent near us already. But it’s definitely something for her to consider as a college student.
I think its great she has that experience and shows she has lots of compassion.
I just speak from the handful of nursing students Ive had in similar situations. Theres been a few times when they have been torn trying to prioritize going to class or taking the family member to an appointment. The strain and stress of being the only caregiver can be heavy. Its not always easy for an 18 or 19 year old to admit its more than they can handle. If there is no other family around its a ton of responsibility. The grandparent may be active now but whats the back up plan.
You know your kid and your situation the best though.
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