Hi there, Kay!

I think that I know exactly what you need. Just go to www.performancebike.com and checkout the GT Zum Wheels4Life Flat Bar Road Bicycle @ $350...Performance lists this bike as a "Commuter Bike". It has 40mm wide tires! That means that it's easier to keep your balance when cycling...

* If you order from Performance, the bike arrives at some brick & mortar bicycle shop close to your location. You will then go there to pick it up. If after the test ride, you don't like it, you can get 100%refunded at that time.

I would suggest that you ask to have a "quick release" installed on your front wheel, so that you can easily remove your front wheel in order to make it lighter and easier to lift. Removing the front wheel, can also be a theft deterrent, after you've locked your bike up. Just take the front wheel with you, wherever you go.

No thief worth his salt wants to take a mid-level bike that's missing a wheel.

Call customer service at Performance to get sizing advice....

Good Luck with your health, your studies, and your future profession!