I honestly think the best thing for first yr students is to live in the hall style, two to a cramped room, community bathroom style dorm. It creates such a strong bond with hall mates. College is about growing and learning how to deal with lots of stuff. I also wish colleges would abolish the practice of letting kids choose their roommates. So many select kids from their high school to stay in their comfort zone. The whole point of growth is going beyond your comfort zone and getting comfortable with that.
Learning how to deal with a new living arrangement, quite different than home, is a good thing. Save those nicer dorms / apartments for upperclassmen who have already sorted things out.