Is it permissible for us—as a group of students—to pray Maghrib and Isha combined and shortened at the university in order to catch the virtue of congregational prayer and maintain the prayer?

The obligatory prayers must be performed at their designated times. It is not permissible to combine two prayers except for an excuse such as travel, rain, or illness. Achieving a congregation is not an excuse. Combining two prayers without an excuse is among the major sins. Therefore, the Maghrib prayer is performed at its time, and when the time for Isha prayer begins, those close to the mosque should pray there. Those far away should pray with their brethren if they find them; otherwise, they should pray individually, and they are excused.