On-Campus Dorms vs. On-Campus Apartments

[nickthecoolest]

I'm transferring to UC Berkeley in the fall and have been having trouble deciding whether to live on-campus in the dorms (where most freshman and sophomores live) or the apartments (transfer students and upper division students).

The reason is that since I am transferring from a CC I would really like the experiene the social aspect of college and I am also transferring as a junior along with my high school class, so I would be a freshman in college this fall had I continued in HS normally.

I've come up with the pros and cons and hope that you can help advise on what route to take.

Apartments:

-Nicer, more private, less expensive, I can make my own meals (I eat very healthy) with the kitchen, living with people who are also doing upper-division work

-Everyone keeps to themselves, no community, financial aid will probably be cut because it is considered off-campus housing, inability to make friends, farther from campus, mostly transfers who I won't be connecting with because of age differences/life differences

Dorms:

-A lot more social, make new friends, the real college experience (the nitty gritty of it all), parties (I need to get out of my shell), a lot of community and events as housing units, closer to campus, less worry about food, PEOPLE MY AGE!

-It might be harder to study, dirtier, way more expensive, will probably gain weight and get out of shape, may not get along with two other people living together, communal bathrooms, noise

Any opinions?

[astrophysicsmom]

You've done a great job of outlining the pros and cons. I'd recommend that you go for the dorm..... the social aspects of living there (for at least a year) is usually where people form their closest friends that they hang out with the rest of their time in school. Make one of your priorities to find someone who'll go work out with you to keep you in shape, plan to use your ipod a lot (to block noise).

[nickthecoolest]

Thanks A-mom, I had another thing to add but I just lost it now that I was thinking about it....if anyone has any input/other perspective from which to look at this situation, I'd appreciate it!