I don't know if I'm going to build it or just purchase a new tower.
Time and money are likely going to be two of the major factors--not to mention that I have little experience building computers (much of my skill lies with the OS's)...
building is EASY... you seem very experienced(with software), building a computer is nothing more than reading the motherboard manual(or reading computer forums, if you have a question). If you need help i'm sure someone at your school would help ya. :)