When your child chooses a college, not all of the associated expenses are under their control. However, they can manage their student housing costs by making smart choices.
Many times, scholarships are sent to the university and applied to the general bill. If housing and a meal plan is on that bill, and tuition is already covered, the scholarship dollars can be applied to the remaining balance for room and board.
For freshman, their college may require them to live on-campus for their first year so you will want to verify off-campus housing is a viable option before spending time looking around.
This can make a larger or more well-appointed place more affordable, and gives them someone to split other costs, like utilities and food, with for additional savings.
If your child is going to school near home, living at home means you don't have to worry about paying rent, utilities, or even food costs, depending on whether you are open to shouldering that burden.