Well, here in Pgh, living off campus costs about half of living in the dorms.
That does sound a bit steep, even for Ann Arbor, but I trust you’ve done yoru research. I stayed in the dorms a year longer than I should have, and that year really, really sucked. If you feel like you want to get out, its probably time. just keep looking for a good place, it took me forever to find where I’m at now, but I love it.
Now that I see the real OP, my advice is somewhat different: definitely get the apartment. No doubt about it. Two years in the dorms is more than enough – you’ve already made all the friends you’re going to, and you won’t believe how great it is to have your own space.
As for the cost, I’d be surprised if a single dorm room is significantly cheaper per month than $450. If your parents are willing to help you out, the increased cost is not going to come at the expense of your school work.
However, before you sign a lease, make 100% certain you and your friend see eye to eye on things like cleaning, noise, bill paying, girlfriends staying over, etc. Good friends don’t always make good roommates.
Good Lord! Get out of Michigan!
HEY!
Here in NYC you could get 1/3 share of a studio for that!
My school, basically everyone lived in freshmen only dorms their first year. By the end of the year, people form their groups and either join a fraternity or move into an appartment (either on or off campus). By senior year, most people move off campus.
I like living alone now (mid 20s and 30s) but iin college it’s better to have roomates. Actually, the best situation was having a single love shack in my fraternity house.