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There's no clear yes-no answer because they each have different variables to consider. Apartments require rent, payment for utilities and so forth, so you either need your folks to pay for it or get a job. Many people will either split the rent and all costs 50/50 (or however many people you have), or one person will be responsible for, say, utilities only, another for TV and internet only, etc... . Your roommates pretty much always agree to split the costs, so it's a matter of who pays what and how much. Unfortunately, you can run into a problem where one of the roommates is unable to pay on time, which requires you or the other roommates to cough up the money. Additionally, apartments will rarely ever come furnished, which drives up the cost when you initially move in. Most people buy furniture for the apartment as opposed to bringing high-quality furniture from home. so you have to bring furniture and other stuff from home, or buy it. The last issue to look at is how far it is from campus and grocery stores. People certainly do transport groceries on the bus and train but if you're taking a lot, it can be a hassle.

Dorms also require payment, however, they are paid up front (this may vary depending on your college). The benefit is you don't need to worry whether your roommates or yourself can make the rent and utilities payments. Another benefit is the dorms come partially furnished. Some college dorms will provide a desk and bed, whereas others would provide only the bed frame, so you have to check with your college. One major drawback is the partying can be incredibly loud, last pretty late into the night and make it difficult to concentrate. Universities and colleges often have a bar or pub on campus, so it's not uncommon for students to drink. Unfortunately, you're forced to gamble whether your roommate is a party animal and it's difficult to change rooms, especially after you've settled in for a short while. When it comes to food, the dorms will provide food at a price but it's not always good. Although I didn't pay for dorms, I often slept overnight there studying with my buddies and the food varied from somewhat edible to shit. Again, this varies tremendously according to university and college. The dorms give eating and cooking areas so you can make your own food if you want but if you're in a hurry, as lousy as it may be, I'd just buy the food if I were you.