Any advice on how I should proceed?

[Anathema]

A little about me first, I just finished my freshman year at OSUand plan to major in photography, I'm going to school courtesy of the U.S. government (GI Bill) and have an amazing opportunity in front of me to devote the next three years of my life to photography without worrying about a job and expenses to get in the way. My question is what do you think I should pursue over the next few years that would put me in a better position to make a career of photography when I finish school? I guess if you were in my position, knowing what you know now, what are some of the things you would do? Thanks for your help.

[TFord.LTTP]

Have you thought about what aspect you wish to pursue when you're done with school? If you're thinking a certain route I would be working with the great resources available to you through the school to start building a portfolio around that. Especially if you want to do something involving people you've probably got the best access to free more than willing "models" than you ever will. If no particular area's really grabbed you then I'd probably be trying every new thing that I could and see where the passion really is. I mean really where better then a college to find some form of pretty much everything as all the students are trying to make their way too.

Either way if I didn't have to worry about another job or anything I'd be taking pictures every single moment that I could be.

[oldwolf]

Take some business courses too. That will help you run the photography business.

[Rina Minca]

I'm only a little further than you (finished school) and I do have to worry about jobs and expenses. But, what i would do, is learn as much as you can - in all areas because you might just surprise yourself - aka you might not think you like a particular type of photography, but when you try it, you might!
Secondly, start building a protfolio NOW. You can always get rid of pictures you don't like, and put in new ones which are better (the best photographers do it all the time). But, if you leave college with a portfolio, you're in a much better place than if you don't have one.
And, yes, take business courses, no matter where you want to go with your photography, and communications classes, they'll help you get started and know where to start!

Good luck, and enjoy learning!