How similar are cellos andviolins as far as difficulty, and the placement of your fingers.?

I want to buy a cello eventually when I start college. I didn't know if getting a simple violin would help train my fingers or not, or even help me get used to using a bow. I know as far as scales and whatnot, Cello and violin aren't the same, but i'm more concerned with physically getting used to it, than mentally. If anyone knows anything about it let me know.