Ah! :)
went to college myself ages ago, alas...well, things didn't work out (not so much the courses, idiot adminstrators and health issues).
Courses should be much better now though, but IMHO, it's the surroundings, new ideas etc that really help!

don't get a "branded" desktop, ugh more trouble than worth IMHO. they wrack the price right up, where as if you buy the components and get a reputable firm to build FOR you and give a warranty, it's much much better. like Ebuyer here in UK for example.

Seriously big brand names can cost you maybe double what you can get for the components.

good idea to educate yourself on PCs, don't need to know too much but it sure helps :)

Have you tried Zbrush? i hate it's interface ugh, but it, along with 3DMAX or Maya, and Photoshop are "Big" for professional work.
I preffer 3DCoat for sculpting, others like Mudbox.

note that "movie SFX" can cover a huge ground. Fair amount of TV and movie SFX is done in 2D with things like "Particle Illusion" and "After Effects".

3D is a huge field, many folk specialize in one area after trying the various parts ot see what they like: texturing, sculpting (soft body modelling that is organics etc), hard body modleling (cars, buildings etc); rigging; compositing; animation; lighting etc

many folk still use Bryce that are major professionals, never get stuck in a rut thinking that you have to use "one snob brand of app" ;) But for professional work in studios, they will except you to use some packages as noted, what you do for enjoyment/skill is another matter.
also the industry is broadening out hugely now (wlel bar the Recession issues). See "Machinima" for example
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machinima

some of my tuts on this stuff
http://www.silverblades-suitcase.com/tutorials/htm/19.html

http://www.silverblades-suitcase.com/tutorials/htm/26.html
:)

"I'd rather be a Fool who believes in Dragons, Than a King who believes in Nothing!" www.silverblades-suitcase.com
Free tutorials, Vue & Bryce materials, Bryce Skies, models, D&D items, stories.
Tutorials on Poser imports to Vue/Bryce, Postwork, Vue rendering/lighting, etc etc!