+1 on r's Peterson B11. I like them so well, I own two. They're sitters with ample bowls, light weight, and nice balance. Another alternative, though not a sitter, is the Missouri Meerschaum freehand, which is light weight, with a fine deep bowl and an acrylic stem. Many other possibilities, but those are good ones. I also have a La Rocca poker, which sits of course, with a big bowl, if you can find that.
Good luck with your graduate work. I loved being in university, and felt hugely lucky to be there. I had minimal income. A small allowance and assistantship as an undergrad, and GI bill as a grad student, but with wallowing in the study, devouring the library, and having expanses of time to read and write, I never felt more wealthy. The course work was the deal. The rest of the campus hoopla was occasional fun, but not so much. I met my wife in undergrad, and my late wife in grad school, kindred souls.
