When you visited the college, were people riding beater bikes and using urban-level bike chains/locks, or riding good bikes and locks are an afterthought? (I have seen both extremes.) Are bikes kept outside (typical of most dorms) or can you store them indoors? I'd seriously plan on going cheap, just because many college campuses have chronic bike theft and it's not worth losing a good bike to theft or weather. Maybe even a garage sale Wal-mart bike to get started; you can learn wrenching to keep it maintained and get what you really want once you have a better handle on the situation (like move into an apartment or other housing as many upperclassman do and have a better storage situation when you are not at classes).

Depending upon what's bothering you, I'd look at MTB-style bikes or maybe hybrids that take wider tires than a road bike. Rather than rear suspension (more money), go with a hard tail but a suspension/shock absorber seat post. Keep tire inflation pressure towards the lower end of acceptable (don't want pinch flats) as further bump-attenuation, and try to get a more upright seating posture. get bum off saddle going over bumps to use legs as shock absorbers.

Most people on campuses seem to use backpacks; these may be too uncomfortable for your situation - look at a rack (another reason for a hardtail MTB) and pannier that can be converted to backpack.

Many large campuses have some sort of bus service or shuttle. Check the times (or ask other students) they run - it may be faster to take the bus than to ride, lock bike up, then get to class. Or multi-mode it if longer distances are involved - most of these shuttles have bike racks.