dorm vs apartment

<p>so, assuming that im going to get accepted to a UC.....I was wondering, as a freshmen, if I should dorm, or rent an apartment to live.....which one do you guys think is better....and is it true that we HAVE to dorm as a freshmen or what?</p>

<p>Do a dorm for your first year, you may never get campus housing again and it is the best way to meet lots of new people.</p>

<p>dorm dorm dorm</p>

<p>you will find friends in you building, and be in contact with more people.</p>

<p>I agree with others. Dorm life for a freshman is the best recommendation, especially if you are not familiar with the UC location. Until you get acclimated to university life both on and off campus, there is a certain safety and security with dorm life:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>if you are not from the local area, try to find a roommate or dorm mate with a car, just so you can get around town easily.</p></li>
<li><p>a roommate and/or dorm mates provide a build in cushion of friends that you can walk to class/library, cafeteria, etc. with, especially in the evening.</p></li>
<li><p>2nd/3rd/4th year students in the dorm can share with you the '411 on the best classes to take, professors, etc. as well as other campus issues.</p></li>
<li><p>until you actually make friends at college, apartment life can potentially be a lonely experience.</p></li>
<li><p>after your freshman year, you certainly should consider living off-campus, if appropriate.</p></li>
<li><p>I'm not sure about other UCs, but Berkeley used to have dorm-like living situations along Piedmont Avenue (maybe College Ave. as well), but even so, it is best to build some friendships in a safer environment like a university dorm, unless you already have experience living in an apartment situation.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>Dorm life is far from perfect or 100% safe. A lot depends on the quality of the Residential Advisor on your dorm floor and the dorm's policies.</p>