I want to take up photography, where shall i start?

You should check with the instructor of the class or check out what kind of camera is required by the class. Even if you don't take the class, you'll have a camera that would let you take the class, and wouldn't have spent money on a camera that wasn't necessary for the class.

Many people start off with film cameras, and for good reason too. They make you slow down a bit and think about what you're doing. You only have 36 (or less) shots until you have to reload. That takes time.

You are also stuck with the film that you have in your camera until you get through those 36 shots, so it's something that should be used and to not waste the fleeting moments.

You also don't get imediate feedback, which sounds like a negative at first. But when you slow down and take your time you'll learn what works and what doesn't. Instant feedback lets you "chimp" where you snap then look then snap then look.... and you never really KNOW what it is that you need to do.

Assuming that you're really serious you'll want an SLR, and eventually a digital SLR. Keep the digital part in mind when you buy a film SLR. Many times the lenses are interchangeable but not always.

Recommendations for film SLRs:

Pentax K-1000. Fully manual and most times the built in light meter is still good. The manual lenses from this era will work on all of the dSLRs from Pentax.

Canon Rebel Film camera. Full manual with full auto modes. The EF lenses all work on Canon dSLRs.

Nikon's film SLRs are great. Salesmen used to pound nails with the camera, take a picture, then get the film developed and printed. Try doing that with your digital camera. Lenses will work on the digital SLRs, but some of the dSLRs don't have the focus motor in the body and you'd be stuck with manual focus. But if that's what you cut your teeth on it's nothing to fear. Manual focus is actually a pretty new thing for cameras.

Vivitar makes a Pentax clone. Uses the same P-k mount lenses, and you'd be able to use them on your dSLR.

Please don't leave your senses. There is a difference between fantasy and reality. You can learn photography without college. You can go to a book store, a library, or use the Internet. Colleges, especially specialty ones, are very expensive. You don't want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on something that won't be stable in bad economic times. I'm afraid that there aren't too many photography jobs cropping up, and even if you do photography just for a hobby, you'll still have bills to pay.

The best way to learn photography is by taking classes. Check with the teacher and find out what kind of camera you'll need. If its a really good class you'll need a 100% manual 35mm film camera.

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start by saving up some money, colleges will require you to have a fully manual SLR camera. and then go to college.

start by taking a photography class they will tell you how to get started and teach you techniques and neat ways to use you camera