University - any difference between Dorm and Residential?

The other obvious difference is the ability to have kitchens and grills. I know a lot of people don't like the restrictions. I don't mind because I see the reasoning behind it (fire safety and avoiding having all university students become master chefs if you pause aging). I've been sending my students who live in dorms to hang out in the university common areas. I've only played UBrite so far.

I don't mind it because I think it forces them to engage with university spaces more but it is also something to take into account. If they live off-campus then they can cook for themselves. That might also give them less incentive to hang out in common areas.

I try to make sure that my sims aren't just hanging out in their dorms the whole time for the most part.