Step 1: Find a co-op. They will have the tools, parts, and volunteer mechanics to assist you in the process.

Step 2: Focus on basic maintenance: grease, bearings, tires, cables, housing, chain, freewheel, brake pads. Upgrade later.

Step 3: Once you are at college, secure your bike well. My first college bike lasted one week..... There were several hundred bikes stolen that weekend as newbie students like myself didn't do an adequate job securing their bikes. It was easy pickings.....