Even in the absence of your disclosure of the school's location, I'm 99% in favor of the apartment idea (I'm holding back the 1% as a hedge against any of your parents putting me on the hot seat).

When I studied abroad in China (a LONG time ago), the classes were useless . On the other hand, the markets and BARs served as dynamic classrooms; without them, my Chinese might still be locked at the level I achieved during high school.

On the other hand, I understand that the teaching situation is better now.... so you probably don't want to be too far from your school.

But, to the dorms is my honest opinion.