I have lived in the dorms and also off campus. For me the decision was mostly financial. The dorms were a lot more expensive than living off campus. Also, there are are things like the setup of the dorms. Have you toured the place? In my case there were 3 people per room - one bunk bed and one single...which was horrible, shared bathroom with the suite next door - another 3 people. No privacy or quiet space. Also my school forced you to buy a meal plan with the dorm which was more money than buying food yourself. Once we rented a place off campus everyone had their own room and it was cheaper too. I would ask, isn't there another off campus rental (house or apartment) available that is cheaper. We would just find something on craigslist and pay month to month per room.