back at home i use to do a split workout routine, doing both chest and tri, back and bi and legs and shoulder but since i came to college i can't seem to send that much time at the gym. so i started to workout a single body part a day, doing chest on one day and tris the next and so on. i was wondering how bad or slower this was for my muscle growth?

fullbody 3 times a week, or a push/pull 4 times a week or upper/lower 4 times a week.
Personally im a fan of the 3 times a week fullbody because you get frequency.

First, almost any exercise is better than no exercise.

Second, how long do you have to workout each day?

Finally, what are your stats and goals (height, weight, body fat, years of training...)?

Agreed. Body part split training like that has its purpose, it does depend on goals and experience. The majority of weight lifters though will not benefit from that style of routine.

I agree with the above. Unless you're juicing or genetically gifted, focusing on one body part a day isn't going to give you the results you want.

Squats
Deadlifts
Bench
Rows
Chinups
Military press

All compound moves, all great mass and strength builders.

Curls
Tricep extensions
Leg extensions
Leg curls
Flys

All isolation moves... although they do have their place, but are far less effective at building mass and strength than compound moves.