<p>Well I'm commuting at college for my first semester but I think want to dorm next semester if my financial situation permits. The reason for this is because I want to develop my social life. It's pretty hard to make friends when your a commuter (I think) and I'm pretty shy so that makes it even harder. I mean for the first week of school I only had like a 5-10 min chat with two strangers. I think that being in a dorm would more or less force/ give me the chance to interact with more people. But anyways this is besides the point, though would like some tips too. If I'm right I think next semester I would probably be able to pay for the dorm for a single room and still have around 3k left over. Would that be enough? This is all being paid by financial aid btw.</p>
<p>As far as cost, it just depends on how expensive the school is vs. renting an apartment. If you have grants to pay for the dorm, you can save money by not having an apartment. If you are going to pay out of pocket, sometimes renting an apartment is cheaper.</p>
<p>Also, being shy and living in a dorm may not necessarily force you to socialize. I knew several other students who kept to themselves despite living in a dorm. Living in a dorm will give you easier access to social events but you have to make the choice to go to them. I knew many students who decided to stay in their rooms all day instead of socialize.</p>
<p>Living in a dorm wont force you to socialize but it is easier to meet people. I commuted and my social life really suffered, I spent all my time driving back and forth to school. I am in my first week of dorm life now and I have met at least a dozen people and made some friends tonight. 
However, I am probably spending $8,000-$10,000 a year on my room and my meal plan. It’s expensive here. But I couldn’t work enough hours to afford monthly rent and take the classes I need, so an apartment wasnt an option for me. </p>
<p>I find it a little funny that you think living in a dorm will force you to interact with people, yet you want to get a single.</p>
<p>For me, last year on campus dorms was $8,000 a year. I’m off campus now at $4000 a year. </p>
<p>A dorm isn’t worth the cost. It does not equal friends. Getting food is an annoying task. You have to put up with a lot of crap and you have to deal with strict rules. I’d rather have the money for something else, for sure. My off campus living situation is a million times better than the dorms.</p>
<p>yea living in the dorms won’t force you to socialize. i initially thought it would as well (i was a commuter), but it really doesn’t. it takes an effort from your part to make the socialization happen. with that said, it’s really convenient to live on campus especially if you have jobs on campus.</p>
<p>"Getting food is an annoying task. You have to put up with a lot of crap and you have to deal with strict rules. "</p>
<p>Not for me! Hardly any rules besides to clean up after yourself, getting food is very simple and I have tons of places I can go including just downstairs and it’s GOOD, and my roommate is less obnoxious than my family at home was. For some people off campus is a better situation, but for me dorming is great.</p>
<p>For me dorming is worth it because while I could probably find a cheaper place off-campus, I cannot help pay for said place with my Pell grant. Also I could never afford a place as spacious, bright, and in such a great location as my dorm in NYC. I do dislike the RAs and quiet hours, but hey free unlimited condoms and lube. It’s a trade.</p>
<p>$950/month. just over 1k with utilities/tv/internet.</p>
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Why do you think that? You can use your Pell grant and any other financial aid to pay for off campus living. Both my kids get the pell grant and they both live off campus and use their financial aid refunds to help pay their rent and bills.</p>
<p>^ lol You can get a refund?!?!?! Can you use Perkins loan like that too? If I don’t apply for housing my estimated cost of attendance goes down thus my award goes down, they assume I’m a commuter and my “travel cost” is $1,000. I think my mom likes the idea of 24 hour security in the dorms though, I’m not sure if I could find that within walking distance of campus on my budget.</p>