You don't get penalized for high credit utilization.

Primarily an online bank like Ally, CapOne, Schwab. If needed, perhaps a local CU to deal with occasional cash.

Just stear clear of any "retail banks" like Wells Fargo, Chase, Citi, BoA. These places are full of BS fees, poor customer service, and poor products. They spend a lot on marketing and branch locations so they get a lot of customers, but they really offer no positives as far as banking experience.

If a bank has a "low balance" fee on their checking account that's a pretty clear sign you should avoid them.

Live in the dorms, go visit your buddies and sleep on the couch when it's party time, get the car. Easy choice.

And that's just with the stuff you've laid out, but you missed a few things:

• the dorm almost certainly includes a meal plan or the option to add one. In an apartment you will have to get, pay, and cook your own food. That means going to the grocery store (do you have a car?), cooking, dishes, fighting for fridge-space with roommates. This is a significant cost and time-stuck. And let's be honest, you're going to spend a lot more on takeout/delivery if you have to cook for yourself, so there's another added cost.

• student housing qualifies for student aid. What is your loan/scholarship situation like now?

• academics. Students who live on campus tend to perform better academically. You can certainly buck that trend in either direction, but the reality is its easier to succeed at school when you're in student housing rather than a party house.