I think it depends on where you are living right now. In a dorm on campus? In a house with several roommates? I don't think ANY college will let a dorm resident keep a firearm in their room, and (believe it or not) I agree with them on this-too many college students are still 11 years old mentally, and they like to consume mass quantities of cheap beer and do stupid stuff. Add a firearm (or even anything sharp) and this is a recipe for disaster.
If you live in a house off campus with several roomates, GET THE STACKON LOCKING CABINET. See my above mention of stupid college students doing stupid stuff. Your roomies may be great guys, but do not take that risk!
Finally, casually bring up the possibility of buying a rifle with your father. Check out his reaction, especially when you mention that the one you're interested is particularly suited for precision marksmanship, a pursuit that combines physical and mental discipline to help the shooter become more focused in many things, including academics. Yeah, lay it on thick!
The point is, see what he thinks.