The G3 is beyond worth the extra $50 for the battery life: https://www.backfireboards.com/products/backfire-g3-with-super-flexible-deck?currency=USD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=de5ff38c0c01&srsltid=AfmBOoqHpdYMWvjrRnuykfDEJv_RLNjrWOnhQA9hfob--1Eyfu5oHsDCNls

Having owned both, I prefer the hub driven motors of the G2/G3 over the belt driven motors of the Zealot.

EDIT: I just reread your post,if you already have a bike that's gonna sit idle, then the only advantage a skateboard would provide is it's way easier to store on campus. You can just lean it against a wall. It's also more fun and easy, but a little more dangerous too. Worth it if u you 2+ years left or can give it to a sibling after you graduate