I would not get a DH for this application. I think you would drive yourself nuts with the amount of travel when riding around campus. Too much bob.
A hardtail with front suspension would work and would be the best on the flats. A XC full suspension bike with 3-5" travel (I would try to get closer to 3) would work great. I would try to keep the weight down as well. This is another reason to not do the DH. Weight does not matter nearly as much when gravity is your main power source.
