My first kilt was a Gunn Modern that was my Fathers, it just did not fit any longer, his Mother was a Gunn, my second kilt is a Graham of Mantieth modern, which is also on my Dad's side of the family, I have two more comming in, one is from my Mother's side of the family and the other is a tartan that I really like. All in all the tartan, or kilt you choose is up to you, i have been thinking lately that I should get a modern kilt to be an addition to the traditional kilt I have now.

The important question is, what do you want, what kilt would make you happy, remember that you will not be able to pass a pair of jeans onto your son or daughter, but a well made kilt will last you the rest of your life and will be a garment you can pass down to your kids, my favourite kilt is 67 yrs old and it still looks great.

It sounds like you have a good idea where to start, so look around at the sponsors here, I am sure you can find something that fits your budget, from what you say being a student and all I would seriously consider Stillwater kilts I just ordered one for my nephew and it is very nice all things considered.