dorm or apartment?

hello! i was curious about renting an apartment or staying in a dorm.. i made a pros and cons list, but really came here for your experiences to sway me either way! i am quite a self sufficient person, i cook for myself, clean, have two animals, and im a student athlete.. so living alone or without supervision doesn’t worry me or my parents..

the apartment gives me, more freedom, more space, ability to 100% keep both my cats, but it’s more difficult to take care of, and i won’t get a meal plan so i’ll need to cook which isn’t that big of an issue for me

the dorms give me security when i leave, i feel quite safe in a dorm, but less space, not as much freedom, not sure about my cats, and the early and late hours with a roommate would be difficult.. (and communal bathrooms..)

i’m really looking to hear about your experiences going into an apartment or dorm, just to gauge my situation… any advice would be absolutely amazing, even if it’s just what you did and how you felt about it! thank you!