Take the time now to pick up any tools that you are going to use regularly. Ratchets, common sockets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc. The more you use them the more you will realize that nothing else comes close... In quality and price. Tools that you don't use as often, or ones that get destroyed during use (prybars, etc.) I wouldn't worry about. Be careful though, nothing says steal me like a bunch of Snap-on stuff. Your first few years as a tech most of your pay is going to go right back into tools. I would reccomend a techwrench (digital torque wrench) too, in 3/8 drive. If you are looking at boxes, the KRA series is a really good box and really isnt much more expensive than a comparable Craftsman (professional) box, and after the discount you should be able to get a roll cab for way under a grand. Remember this: You can piece together whatever pieces you want to make a set, and their is no real discount to purchasing things in sets, so don't feel that you need to buy sockets all the way to the big sizes right away. Bigger sockets and wrenches can run $20-50 each, or more, easily. Plus, typically, you are going to see the Snap-on (or other quality tool) difference easier in small stuff. I would recommend getting the majority of your 1/4 drive stuff and 3/8 stuff now, up to around 3/4 and 20mm, and the same with the wrenches. If you need to save money, eliminate the Big sizes first. Not sure what you're going to school for, you may not need the small stuff.
They are STUFFED! 
