Welcome! I would suggest looking at a touring bike or cross bike for your commute. Drop bars, and will be more comfortable than your current ride for long distances, but will still take racks/panniers. If you do some searching 'round here, you'll find many opinions and recommendations. I like my trek 520 and surly cross check. Jamis arouras are also popular. An older Terry might be nice for you. Maybe buy something a couple of years old in the $500 range, and save for 4 years for your dream, fast road bike. Then when you graduate, you'd have a tourer and a fast road bike.

Just my 2 cents