[Face Up.]

I lived in the dorms and I think that the dorm can help you become more independent and live away from your parents. It might help you get more involved in school, too, because you'll be around school to able to join clubs and social groups, and hang out with new friends at the student center. I am 30 minutes away from my school too and go home on weekends, so depending on your parents you may be able to go home every so often!

Like others have said, you probably will have to get a roommate. I think most schools tell you who your roommate will be before you start and give you their email, so you can possibly email them ahead of time to plan out who brings what and just get to know them. My school lets you switch rooms too during a designated time so that may be an option if you don't get along with your first one.

Do you think you'd be able to tour the dorms before deciding, and maybe see what goes on in the dorms? That may help.

I agree with making a pros/cons list!