I carried my s&w shield on a ride once and don't recommend it. Too heavy and pulls your jersey down, and it got all sweaty in the pocket holster. But keep on riding!!
If you are a student, you have to follow different rules than if you aren't. I go to Purdue and don't carry on campus because the cops will show up right away since some kid got shot last semester. The police are paranoid in West Lafayette.
If you're looking for something better than the lcp with the same size, the glock 42 is your answer. It shoots very well, doesn't have the awful double action trigger pull like the lcp, and is small enough for pocket carry. It's my favorite of the little 380s.
I love the m&p 9s but I have to say I'm not that impressed with my shield, it doesn't shoot as well as I'd like and I hate the safe action trigger that's split across the middle. The new baby glock 42 is more accurate and more comfortable, but I just don't like 380s.
Go with whatever you prefer shooting. The size difference isn't that pronounced and if sh*t hits the fan, you'll want a gun that you can shoot straight.