An old MTB, preferably an old steel bicycle with a solid fork. Put some street tires on it, maybe some fenders, maybe a rack. Maybe a drop bar. Campus pedals he can use with ordinary shoes. A good lock, which he will not use of course.
Me, I would prefer a backpack for my books and computer like all the other kids rather than dealing with a pannier and/or a basket.
When I was in college, undergrad and grad, I often rode a Raleigh Sports (E3S) on days I had classes on both side of campus.
Last edited by Loose Chain; 04-16-17 at 07:01 PM.