First time buyer of a campus bike - suggest a used MTN bike. Remove the knobby tires, install (or ask the bike shop to show you how to install tires and fix a flat) a touring type tire. Lots of bike choices available in the $200-300 range, get one that fits and feels good. Then ride it for a few months, learning from your rides what you really need or want vs. asking an Internet forum for advice. By the time it gets stolen or needs a major repair, you'll know what to do.