I second the grid based design approach, I would also advise it's a very good idea to reduce the workload. Make the portfolio simple, I'd suggest using a simple
Wordpress theme or
Behance Prosite.
I'd suggest checking
this out and
this they'll give you a very good idea for portfolio expectations and trends.
From experience fresh out of uni designers do make things hard for them self, the best porfolios are:
1) Well written, direct and concise.
2) Work with 8-12 really well designed things presented nicely.
3) Explain show they've designed what they've done, the skillset used and types of software.
4) Really understand design and industry trends, uses a broader range or projects.
5) Uses nice use of colour and fonts. Papyrus will get a CV binned
😉
6) More than anything they answer the question. "This is who I am and this is what I am proud of designing".
The best ones I've seen are easy to get the information I am looking for:
1) Skillset and experience
2) Software knowledge
3) Design knowledge.
Hope this helps.