see IRS publication 970, page 58:
3. Expenses for room and board must be incurred by students who are enrolled at least half-time (defined
below). The expense for room and board qualifies only to the extent that it isn't more than the greater of the following two amounts.
a. The allowance for room and board, as determined by the school, that was included in the cost of attendance (for federal financial aid purposes) for a particular academic period and living arrangement
of the student.
b. The actual amount charged if the student is residing in housing owned or operated by the school
there is nothing stated about where the 'board' expenses occur (could be a 5 star restaurant, I guess), but can't be anymore than the school states for federal aid purposes.
