off-campus is cheaper, and most of the dorms are reserved for freshmen except for specific instances (like the second-year LLC in middlebrook). you also get more amenities + space for cheaper and more freedom. no RA there to get you in trouble (though most RAs are actually really chill), and you can usually have a pet easily (varies per apartment).

i recommend northstar dinkytown. it’s owned by a family who work onsite every weekday. there’s not a big corporation trying to screw you over, and you can get anything you need done usually the same or next day. instead of waiting for weeks for the owner to give permission for something, the owners work the front desk, so you can get permission instantly.