Where should I live?

Okay so I’m going to college in the fall about an hour from home. I want to live in an apt because it’s more appealing, I want to take my dog with me, i’m pretty independent, and I HATE DORMS. BUT people are telling me I should live in the dorms at least my first year to the the full college experience. The problem is I have no want at all to live with someone in a tiny room for a whole year. I know that living off campus is a big responsibility but I’m pretty sure I can handle it. Plus I really dont want to leave my dog :(