You can also check local Craigslist - I bought some good stuffs for your budget - speakers costing over 1k originally.
This way, you can hear it first and see if you like them.
PSB is a good name to look for - I like mine.
Other ones you might want to consider are :
Paradigm studio series
Dynaudio
NHT zero is a good speaker but as it was stated, really need a sub. Your dorm mates might not appreciate a sub though - low sounds bother neighbors...
I wish I had your system at that age - sure beats what I had at back then...
Paradigm