How does a university differ from a community college?

So, I went straight to a university. I went to a community college for about a semester just to take a class or two while figuring out my transfer to another university. At the larger public university, the classes were large, like 100-200 people in a large auditorium-type classroom. I also went to a smaller university, where I transferred to, and they had smaller classes, which were good because I felt like I learned more there than in the large auditorium classes at the previous university. I remember community college being ok for learning the basics, but I honestly found the interaction with teachers and students to be less than my communication at the two universities I attended.
Nowadays, it's hard to attend a university because of the high cost of tuition, if you don't have scholarships. I had a scholarship when I attended the large university and then was able to apply to more while I was there. I was highly supported by programs that were for first generation and minorities in science. I really, really made sure that I was supported through my academic career. I would look for programs and apply to them as much as I could. I felt there were several opportunities at the first university I attended and I tried to take advantage of as many as I could, including taking work-study internships that would eventually help me build my resume for when I graduated.
At university, even though I lived in the dorms, and there were a lot of fun campus things to do, I really studied a lot. But I also did get to join in extra-curricular clubs and hang with people I had met through classes or dorms. You really can't beat building a good friendship base at university, it will shape your college years. Whereas, I felt that at community colleges, everyone does their own thing and it's harder to get to hang out with people, unless you're studying. You can still make friends there anyway. At university, you are immersed in the college experience, and that's not something that will exist at a community college, because you don't live there. It's when you live at the university or nearby, that you are immersed. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on how good you are at staying on track with goals, and the support system that you have within your family, friends, or through programs that support you.
That being said, I know that my experience will not be your experience or the experience of others. There are some community colleges that are competing at the same level as universities in terms of staff, subject material, and technology, as well as support programs and career advice.
Good luck making your choice. Remember that it's up to you, to build a support system, to stay on track and focused, and to know when you need breaks, and when you can take them (less breaks during midterms and finals).

This would highly depend on what you're getting into and where you are from. The difference I believe is not only in the programs offered but the acceptance. It's harder to get into a university vs a college. Academically a university is considered to be of a higher rank to a community college.

I am in community college at night taking graphic design. I love the program and will be able to find the same work as that of a university graduate of the same industry, however there's a very good chance my resume next to that of a university graduate might not stack up, this also depends on what the company is looking for and who's reading the resume, some places don't pay this any mind.