I strongly suggested to DS to consider the traditional dorms, as they are supposedly more social, and they were cheaper. He took out the full federal loans so he could do the suites, wouldn’t consider anything else.
My son was nominated for class comedian in high school, so he likes to joke around and have a good time, so he wasn’t concerned about the social aspect so much. Being so far from home and only coming home for major holidays he wanted to be able to retreat to his “own” private space, which is not something available in the traditional dorms.
He and his dorm mates got along so well, they spent most of their time together, and through them he met other people so he now has a decent amount of friends. Yes, the halls of the suite style dorms are often very quiet, but that doesn’t mean everyone is sitting alone behind the closed doors.
Costs are a factor, but think about what you “need” from your living situation. DS needed a space to get away and be alone. Other kids felt they needed the social aspect of the more traditional dorms, or that’s all they could afford.
It will all work out. If you are willing to put yourself out there and don’t expect tons of friends in the first week of school, you’ll be OK.