University of Minnesota Twin Cities. On-Campus vs Commuting

Hello everyone,
I have been admitted and decided to attend UMN for fall as a computer engineering major. However, I have no clue where to reside. I am from Illinois so I do not know the neighborhoods around the campus. I am looking for an apartment or condo. Does anyone have resources and experiences living in the metropolitan area? I do have a car and can commit to commute 20~minutes one way although I heard parking is quite expensive.

You do not want to drive. The cheaper lots are far away from classes, and depending where your classes are you would end up taking a bus from the distant lot once you park. There is great mass transit in the Twin Cities, and you could find lots of places to live on a bus line or on the blue or green light rail line.
There are many new apartment complexes in Dinkytown, which would be especially convenient if your classes are on the East Bank. The Marcy Holmes neighborhood is near there, too, and you could walk or take the bus. A bit to the east, there are many apartments in the Stadium Village area which is right on the green line.

I forgot to add. I am a transfer student from Champaign, IL. I got tired for party scenes here and I prefer to stay in resolute and quiet area. I heard Dinkytown is filled with undergrad parties. Which neighborhoods near the campus are quiet?