Asking a person if they feel suicidal will plant the idea in their head. Helping someone to acknowledge their problems is a first step in solving them. Your expression of concern might help them to feel better about themselves. The stress of being a college student makes suicide more likely. A drunk person who talks about suicide should not be taken seriously.
Suicidal students are mentally ill.
If a friend seems depressed, ask what is going on. If they sound fatalistic, ask whether they feel suicidal. Just listening is much better than judging or advising. If you need medical help, call Brown Emergency Medical Services at 863-4111.