Originally Posted by
Iride01
Get a inexpensive bike that is the right size for cheap. Go over it with a fine tooth comb and make sure it's properly put together. For a beater bike at college with short commutes, that's all that is needed.
If he will also be doing longer rides for fitness or enjoyment, then that's another story and another bike. So he can be N+1 at the start of his college. One bike to use for going to class and can be locked up outside. The other to keep in his dorm room and never take his eyes off of when out for long rides.
+1 No matter what you do a too-small bike is always going to be too small.
Edit: For about what you will spend on a seat post, stem, new cables, etc. you should be able to get a properly-fitting bike on Craigslist, etc.