I had major depression and suicide attempt my first year of college. It was a complete and absolute culture shock. I had no idea. It was almost like a lamb to the slaughter. It has taken me thirteen years almost to unravel the damage.
I commuted most of my years at a university --- so it was just a portion of my day. The rest --the majority -- was work and home. Even at the time I thought I was very lucky not having to live there and be there 24-7. I'm not sure I would have survived that --- I preferred the work world and of course home to the strangeness and ivory tower world of the university. I love taking classes and so I still do and always will --- but I've never felt like I missed anything by never having the expeience of living in a dorm with a bunch of strangers.