lol i'm taking lessons this semester too
From what I gather for a good first electic guitar, spend more then 400 bux.
That does not mean every guitar over 400 is good. Just means that you'll start some good stuff at around that price. I've always have a little eye on a gibson but alas i can't play guitar good enough to waste money on a good guitar, plus that is expensive! Fender might be a good way to go.
I have somthing called a silverstone. It's a decent electric but i can't play more then Emily by From First to Last (easy song)
Ash?