If Rhino is your current weapon of choice, and you are of a mind to learn faster than lessons dictate...
A full blown copy of Rhino4 is very affordable to students, who enjoy very large discounts as long as the programme is not used for commercial gain.
A 3-D motion controller, such as
http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dmouse/spacenavigator.php (if you dont know, its a multi-axis joystick for use in the opposite hand to your mouse) is a good investment too, and once you've tried it, I guarantee you will love it...and again, prices are good for students.