Dual 80 3/8 ratchet
Flare wrenches
Ratcheting screwdriver
Screwdriver set
Flank drive plus wrenches, 7mm - 24mm & 3/8" - 3/4" -- SOEXRM wrenches are one of my favorites. Flank drive plus open end and a 15° offset and reversible ratcheting box end--hard to beat.
1/4" Drive flex (swivel) sockets, 4mm - 14mm & 5/32" - 9/16" -- Snap-on flex sockets will flex further and give you more angle to work with before binding. You almost have to have a Snap-on flex socket at 90 degrees before it will bind. Having a flex socket that doesn't flex far enough defeats the whole purpose of having a flex socket in the first place.
Sometimes it's far better to have one expensive tool that works well instead of a whole set of tools that don't work. I'd suggest getting the sizes you need even if it's just a handful. They are far superior to anything else available.
+1.
Screwdrivers and ratchet screwdrivers. I especially like the stubby soft handle ratchet with a 9" long shank. I use the heck out of that. I would get all the shanks they offer, 3," 6", 9" and the 1/4" drive. Buy a bit set, keep the receipt, and warranty them as they wear out. Ditto for screwdrivers.
Plastic (interior) prybar set
I really like the hi performance ratchet wrenches (XDHRM). These are super expensive new. I really recommend getting any and all ratchet wrenches, none of which are user repairable, brand new with a lifetime warranty. But Matco offers flex head versions I think, which may be just as nice. Pick whichever you prefer.
I'd get a couple bit socket sets from Snap On. I think the stubbies are stiffer, you can get them in more places, so I recommend them. For torx- 207EFTXYSE. I also have a set of swivel torx which I find helpful (105TUTX).
To answer your question, my advice is to not cheap out on screwdrivers, or bit sockets especially, since they both wear out. I would make sure I had access to warranty service over the long haul, which, in your profession means Snap On.
For all the other stuff guys are talking about- ratchets for example - I would only buy these new if they were cheaper than like new used models on ebay. With ratchets, the parts that wear out can be easily and quickly replaced at very little cost (sometimes free). So I see no value in paying extra for new. All of mine are used, but you would never know it from looking at them. Ditto for stuff like sockets and wrenches. Who wears out or breaks sockets or wrenches these days? I would only buy ratchet wrenches new for the warranty since these do break/wear.
Last, I think there are some good deals for students that you don't come across often out of school. I think you should look at a plier set. The basic Snap On plier set is reasonably priced with your discount. Add a set of duckbills 61ACP, consider the smaller long nose 95CF. My favorite pliers are probably the older model 46ACP (pre talon). All other pliers are better or cheaper elsewhere (Knipex cobras, electronic pliers, etc).
