About to be a new rider.

I'm looking into buying a motorcycle and I'm unsure on what to get. I'm about to start college"summer 2008" so I don't want to buy a starter then another. So any recommendations on what I should look at?  

O. K. Short answer.  Take a training course.  Make sure you have enough cash to get bike and gear and cover the insurance.
As far as the bike goes it all depends on your preferences.  I would suggest used.  If you are a cruiser type there are lots of choices good for a new rider: Kawi 500, Honda 600 or 750, Suzuki 650 or 800, H-D 883.  You get the idea.
If sport or naked is more to your liking there are options as well.  Ninja 500 or 650, Sv 650, Fz-6 or even Buell Blast.  There are some good 250's out there as well.  I guess this was not so short.  Hope this helps.  

Plenty of good used low miles bikes out there for cheap. Like grizz said I would start off with something in the 600cc to 750cc range. I recommend you stay away from the Sport Bikes since you are just getting started. Plenty of time for that later.  Since you are in college you are going to want something dependable and cheap. Along those lines you can't go wrong with any of the Japanese Bikes.  After you cut your teeth on that first bike you can move up to somethihng with some more HP. Take the MSF course first. Good luck. Check back in and let us know what you get.  

I'll echo what the above guys have said.  I also suggest you stay away from most sport bikes - the engines are peaky and "sharp handling" means they turn in really quickly (i.e. are unstable).  Generally they are intended for experienced riders.

What you are looking for is something with a wide, flat power band that is very linear in the way it accelerated.  Nothing with a huge, steep horsepower curve.  Handling wise, you want something stable so a standard or cruiser would be a great choice.

As others have said, take a rider's course.  Also, don't forget to include safety gear in your budget.  Helmet, good jacket, good gloves and boots at a minimum,  Riding pants are also advised.  Its best to be over prepared.