If you want a nice conversation piece for dorm discussion (sadly, it can't be for first-hand dorm evaluation), get a Mosin. Definitely college-budget material, they are available <$100, including S&H, from AIM surplus. A 1/2 case of mil-surp 7.62x54R is another $75 or so. You have a gun with .308 Winchester power, a certain mistique/oddball quality to it, and one hellacious fireball if you ever shoot past twilight.
Just a thought...
Q