The University of Alabama in Huntsville has amended its housing policy, university officials said Tuesday morning.  Students whose homes are within 30 miles of the school will no longer be required to live on campus.  This change takes effect in the fall.

The school president, Dr. Robert Altenkirch, still encouraged students to consider it, though.

"As our campus life continues to evolve, we encourage students to live on campus in order to avail themselves of all that the four-year college experience has to offer," said Altenkirch. "This experience encompasses valuable learning experiences outside the classroom that are best accessed through immersion in a campus environment."