I was making the same decision a few years ago and wish to offer some insight.
Living with roommate can save money and sometimes build a life long friendship, I am still in contact with my 2nd roommate in college and consider him one of my closest friend.
The caveat is you want to avoid moving in with strangers, because they may or may not be mature or responsible enough to save you money.
If money is an issue, you can try to live in a private room in a house, where basically you are living with the landlord. Here's some pros and cons
pros
1. cheaper than having the whole apartment by yourself.
2. usually more considerate and responsible than Landlord.
3. No obligation to find a roommate in case your roommate want to move out early.
cons.
1. Relative lack of privacy.
2. Due to substantial age difference, Landlord sometimes treat you as their child instead of an adult.
3. small landlord might be slower to fix bathroom or Fridge in case it was broken.
If you want to find a good social atmosphere, consider living in a dormitory, it's tend to be smaller, more expensive than off campus, but it will give you a good environment for know more people outside your classes. I think the social benefit and easily out-weight the financial cost.
that's my two cents, congratulation on your acceptance!
what would be your choice? living by yourself the first year or having a roommate...
i am going to be starting school this fall and need to decide on housing soon.
Peter
