Dear candidate,

No it is not at all necessary to reside in the college’s hostel. You can search for your own accodomations and try there. You don’t need to pay Hostel Fees if you don’t have to avail hostel facilities. Search for paying guests or you can search for rooms for rent. However, people new to the place tend to take up hostel as they have the minimal information about the area and staying in a hostel for the first year gives you a feeling of safety.

Hope this helps!