I lived in the dorm and loved it, but college was just an hour from home and my dad worked on campus, so I could go home anytime I wanted. At first I was home every weeend but I got to where I stayed in the dorm most of the time, even during the summer and winter breaks. This was mostly because i lived in a small town and am an only child- the dorm was in the city close to a lot of things to do and I always had friends to hang out with.

You should try getting some of your basic classes like English and writing at a college that is closer to you. This will be cheaper in the long run and you can try the whole dorm thing without being so far from home.