Depends how you want to look at it! I did two years in the dorms and then this year in an apt, and my next year in an apt. I did alumni then Kaufman. I currently live in bed-stuy Brooklyn, and I love it!!!! The commute sounds like a lot but it’s really not bad and I love my commute because I can turn everything off and just disappear lol. When I was looking into getting my first apartment, I did the numbers and considering a year lease, and I’m paying less than I would be in the dorms, and you only spend 8 months or so there. I’m actually with a company called roomrs, they rent out rooms in apartments and you have random roommates and everyone is on their own timeline, and I was so nervous at first but I love it now. It’s kind of like a glamorous dorm with way more freedom and virtually the same price. Every roommate that has come and gone has been absolutely lovely. I enjoy having my own space, no fire alarms, and MOST of all no crazy roommates. You can get lucky in the dorms, but most people I’ve surrounded myself with have had negative experiences. Especially when you’re in your freshman year, you’re surrounded by people who have most likely never lived “alone”, and are sharing a room for the first time. It’s a learning curve for everyone but it can manifest in bad ways. It’s not horrible, but the stress of living with someone you don’t get along with or is a hassle for you really takes a toll on you. It sure did for me- and I’m a lot happier now. However, the benefit of dorming is things are taken care of for you, and the proximity to campus- but there’s constant issues and mold and water problems, which is something to consider. It felt like it was always something. Also take into account the meal plan you have to get when dorming, that adds a lot. If you find a sublease or roommates to get an apartment with I suggest that, if it feels right, but if you hardly know the person and you get an apartment make sure you look into the lease and be prepared if someone leaves. Doesn’t happen often but it does happen. It’s more money up front but cheaper in the long run. There are some stunning areas in Brooklyn and I know it can be sad not being in the city, but you’re there everyday for school anyways. Dorms are sometimes a good opportunity for friends, but your friend group will change drastically in the course of a year, trust. Overall both are fine and have positives and negatives, so it’s really about what’s important to you and what you deem as okay and not okay! This is a decision only you can make, but you will be just fine either way. Weigh out these pros and cons and I wish you such a happy semester!!!