Dorm room audio

What is your budget?
The VPI Nomad is an excellent option for $1000, and is geared towards this young crowd. It includes a built-in headphone amp, and also a phonostage I think.

Otherwise, an entry-level Rega or Pro-ject TT would be ideal. There are number of good phono stages for under $300 new or used. Also more integrated amps available with Bill been phone no stages. Keep in mind that there are also some pretty good bookshelf speakers that have built in amplifiers, which would negate the need for a separate amplifier. Of course the built-in amplifiers in the bookshelf speakers are class D, which would be fine for the dorm room system.
Good luck

First, a good table, which is the basic model from U-Turn Audio (only on line). Great sound, great value. Second, forget the speakers, its a no no in a dorm. Instead, Beats headphone, look cool, sound great.

Take a look at my VPI Nomad on Audiogon. Don't know if it's too pricey but would fit the bill with some powered speakers. I happen to have some Audioengine Bamboo A5's. Let me know if you're interested.

so Isochronism,
Can you tell us what you ended up getting? or what system you are leaning towards?
gg