A big difference between living in an apartment and living in a dorm is the cost-of -living expense. If a student chooses to live in the dorm, living expenses, including Internet, air conditioning, water and trash pickup, are included in tuition and can be paid by financial aid. However, if a student lives in an apartment, these monthly expenses are obligations that are not part of tuition payments. Therefore, financial aid won't help to fund living expenses. Also, dorms are furnished, whereas apartment living may necessitate bringing furnishings.