Hi, Valerie,

And, welcome...

You're way ahead of me by taking a college course, but I can offer some help on the pencils and other stuff...for what it's worth.

First thing I need to express is a safety issue (I know, I know, it's a bummer but very much needed). "Being covered in color" as you put is exciting and fun. But, in all seriousness, it is dangerous. Pastels have  heavy metal and other issues due to their pigments. The dust is toxic, and can with chronic exposure cause some serious health issues. Sooooo, please try to protect yourself while working with them. You've might of already learned this, but it's worth reminding other artists even at the risk of making them angry.... I care, it's that simple.

That being said... I like Carb-othello pastel pencils the best. They are like butter and allow great detail in pieces. I prefer Unison pastels for the soft and a variety of others for hards and in-betweens. It seems that some brands make 'more' colors than others. I almost exclusively use Canson MiTientes paper. It has two tooths to it, one rough side and one smooth side so that allows you a choice of tooth, it holds up well to lots of layers and it comes in a wide variety of colors. The cost is affordable too!

I have found that the sanded primers are nice also because you can put them on just about any support that you choose. Annnnd, you can mix them or tint them to make any color that you want!!!!

Anyway, I hope that helps. Post some of your work on here, we are all friendly and willing to help.

Mike