another point to add to the excellent ones above re: spending a little extra for a dependable bike: you might enjoy it enough to continue to bike commute after graduation. It's not as if gas prices are likely to decrease appreciably. one of the benefits of cycling is the freedom of not being totally reliant on a car and,by extension, the whims of the oil industry. you didn't say what sort of career you're pursuing, but no one these ays should assume that they're in Fat City just cuz they have a degree.

food for thought.