The most versatile commercial diving suits are the Vulcanized rubber suits made by Viking, Gates, Hunter or Ameron International. The reason is that you can clean the suit after you get nasty stuff all over it. I did a simple inspection dive in shallow, clear water on a BRAND NEW seaway on wood tressels. I had creasote (or some sticky black wood preservative) all over me after the dive. If I had been wearing a wet suit or a nylon covered suit like a trilam it would still be covered in black stains. With the vulcanized rubber you just wipe with some Goo Be Gone and wash with Simple Green.
Vulcanized rubber is also eaisier to repair than neoprene. Just get a bicycle tire repair kit and patch the hole, and your back in the water in ten minutes. Try that with a neoprene suit.
Look on ebay for a Viking HD Pro or a Viking Pro 1000. You can get a suit cheep that will get you through school. Avoid the Viking 90X, it was discontinued over ten years ago and any suit for sale will have dry rot. Also you can wear ski thermals under the suit or even sweats for insulation while you are in school. Don't spend your money on brand new dry suit thermals until you are working and can afford it. You will probably be interested in a suit with a neck yoke that will fit your favorite diving helemt by then aas well.
Oh, and don't buy a suit with an attached hood. You won't be able to use it with a diving helmet.
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