For the 2023-2024 period, living on your own or living with your parents is not something that affects the FAFS at the surface level. It all comes down to whether your parents claim you as a dependent on their tax returns on not. Exceptions to this rule include leaving home due to an abusive situation and having no contact with the parents. For a more in-depth look at what makes a student dependent versus independent in the eye of the government, head over to StudentAid.gov.