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I'd say go for American Express. Yes, there's an annual fee--but, you have an extended warranty against loss or theft for whatever you buy on the card. If you buy your air tickets on AmEx, you can purchase an additional insurance plan for it. I've only come across three places that I visit normally that don't accept it--and if you're going to do international travel, it's EVERYWHERE. It was my LIFESAVER when I lived abroad.
I worked in credit reporting for a time, and the person who said it is better to have a card with a small balance, paying it off regularly, is right on target. The reporting agencies want to see that you are responsible enough to carry a balance--and not just have a card to cut it up and say you have a card.
Another option is a card that gives you rewards or points for the things you already buy--like textbooks. When I get out of school and no longer qualify for the AmEx for students, I will switch it to the Delta SkyMiles card. I also have a (very small) Brown Alumni Association card through MBNA (no problems here!). Of my purchases, a small amount goes to my school's alumni association. This can be even better if you plan on paying it off every month.
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