Guys I need advice

So I am looking for an apartment to move into in the near future (probably in the next month or two)

I’m 18, attending a community college for the next couple of years

Also I am looking for apartments in Chicago & surrounding suburbs

For those of you who have gone through the process, can you fill me in on some things I should be aware of? What’s the process like? I am literally clueless as heck on this type of stuff.

Like would a studio apt be better or a 1 bed apt? What’s the difference?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance!!