[dragonwriter]

> I'd say give me the same benefits -or at least in-state tuition.

So, you'd declare your intent to establish permanent residency in the State (and therefore the US)?

That sounds a lot like having immigration intent, which can be a basis for revoking your F-1 status.

Not being a resident is the deal you sign on for with F-1 status. If you'd rather take your chances immigrating illegally, spending three years attending California high school, and then trying to go to UC on in-state tuition as a deportable undocumented immigrant when you are qualified to instead get an F-1, well, sure, you can try. No sane person with the option is going to choose that, though. An F-1 with non-resident tuition is a much better deal.