I have tried out a number of the camera on the Nex range of Sony Cameras, the Nex 3 & 5 are very good for hobbyists, reasonable quality and with adapters, it opens up a word great lenses, old and new. The nex-3 is 14mp, and let due to sensor size and use of an average lens you get a far greater quality than a good end compact with more megapixels. even with an old m42 lens, or even a CCTV lens, you can get some great shots. So you can get these cameras for a very cheap price now, and a vintage lens may work out well for you, myself I've used Pentax lenses and found very good results. street photography results aren't bad for a camera that's been around for a fair number of years.
If you go for this camera at the right price, about £50 with cable but no lens then I think you'll get good results. Alternatively look up the later models in the nex range or for higher end camera look up the A5000(£110 used and without lens) or the A5100(about £300 used and without lens). Small mirrorless cameras off a sense of the DSLR market minus weight, cost, and options, so settings are streamlined and so will lack features with DSLRs, but you'll get what you need for college or hobby activity.
I gave the Nex 3 the star rating 5, because it is cheap and effective, and unless you've got the megapixel fever, you'll be fine with the 14mp camera.
