Dear Ms Hall,
Here is a list of my fave online design sites and blogs that I think you will like and hopefully they will help keep you inspired as you undertake your design course!
http://mocoloco.com
http://www.moma.org/
http://nubbytwiglet.com
http://www.ikeahackers.net
http://design-milk.com
http://www.contemporist.com
http://www.livingwithwhite.com/
http://archidose.blogspot.com/
http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
Enjoy x