Everyone has been offering good advice, so I won’t duplicate what’s already been said :). As far as the lens question goes, though, my two-cents–especially if you’re on a budget–is to go with a prime lens. In fact, unless you have a really good reason for needing a zoom lens, always go with a prime. The optics are always better (sharper, better bokeh, wider apertures, etc.), they’re cheaper, and many would argue, myself included, they make you a better photographer, because they force you to move around more. One of the best habits for improving your composition (no matter what your skill level is) is learning to move–get closer (or, sometimes, further), shoot from a different angle, try vertical instead of horizontal, etc.
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