I graduated a few years ago and to get my jobs I found that having a web portfolio helped.
Use the library to get books instead of buying them (most colleges and unis have design books and magazines – if not ask them to get them as they have a budget)
you dont need fancy software, You can code in notepad just fine.
Tell everybody what you do, I got my first few projects from family friends, though not paying much I was effectively still paid to learn a real project.
Enjoy the presentation