If I were you I would be patient and wait till your out of the dorms. When I lived in the dorms there were many drunken nights where I know idiot people would have messed with them. I waited till Senior to get my first snake it was hard to wait, but I know I couldn't have provided proper care in the dorms. If you do choose to get one check around for breeders or pet stores pay them $20 to watch them while your away! I do this now and it works great!