You are the sweetest thing! It can be so hard finding your feet in college. Like most of us, I knew long begore college that I had an extra-special interest in tickling - but at the time it wasn't a major factor in most of my interactions until I met my first serious boyfriend. We went through a lot together and we got to a point where we did share everything, including secret fetishes. While he didn't share my love of tickling, he did indulge me and we had fun. But, I can admit both now and then that its much more fun to explore the fetish with like-minded people...but I wouldn't trade that first innocent experience for anything. It happened naturally and we were in love and it was fun.
At the risk of sounding like a grandma, just have fun. Be safe of course, but enjoy yourself. It a moment arises that seems good, go for it! Add some tickles in the cuddles and see what happens. I think you'll find out pretty quick if someone really despises it or it they go with the flow.
If you end up meeting someone on here, that's okay too - so long as your safe and comfortable. Don't compromise on what feels right for your personal situation to meet the needs of someone else you might meet here.
While I'm older, I'm not ancient and always available for a chat if you ever feel the need - like many on here. Feel free to pm me anytime!