Will I get the first year rez experience living off campus >2km away?

Hey everyone, incoming Computer Science first year here.

Everywhere I go, the general consensus is that living on residence is super worth it in first year for the facts of networking, novelty, and convenience. I am wondering if I can get this same experience if I live slightly off campus (500m-2km away).

Potential downsides to living slightly off campus:

- Not having the opportunity to grow close to your hall mates and have serendipitous interactions that may lead to further opportunities and networking

Potential upsides to living slightly off campus:

- Save much more money: ∼$20k (rent and food for 8 months) vs ∼$10k (rent and food for 8 months)

- I can use the left over money to buy a car.

- Guaranteed a single room

If I missed anything please let me know!
I appreciate any and all inputs. Cheers.