A nontraditional student is a student whose needs and circumstances vary from those of a traditional student. Nontraditional students may be older than the average student, could be married or have children, could be commuters, could have a disability or condition that requires special accommodation or any combination of these circumstances.
Some colleges and universities offer older students the option of living in on-campus apartments, as opposed to traditional dorms. These apartments are often ideal alternatives for married students with or without children and students who are single parents since these apartments are generally more affordable then off-campus, private rentals and allow students the convenience of on-campus living.
A few campuses give older, unmarried students without children the choice of living with traditional students in on-campus dorms, under certain guidelines and restrictions.
Nontraditional students wishing to live off campus can sometimes choose to live in off-campus apartments owned and controlled by their university or college. Married students with or without children and students who are single parents are usually eligible, but occasionally older students who are single may be able to live in these types of apartments as well.
Nontraditional students always have the option of private rentals, although this housing option is usually more expensive then a school-affiliated one. Students wishing to search for apartments and houses for rent near campus should check with their school's housing office first to see if a list of recommended rental properties or properties that offer discounts to college students is available.
Every learning institution has its own housing options for nontraditional students, and there are often long waiting lists for both on-campus and off-campus housing. It is best to start exploring your housing options sooner, rather then later.