Here in Atlanta, Georgia Tech has a program called Starter Bikes that works with students to refurbish donated bikes so they can get a feel for what they like in a bike before they make a big investment. It sounds like UofO has something similar in it's UO Outdoor Program https://outdoorprogram.uoregon.edu/bikes/rentals. Maybe you could rent one of their commuter bikes for a term or work with them to learn how to upgrade your own. Good luck!

GaPavedTrailRdr