[JesseK]

I would say that the first thing to do is to go to a local event with a camera, or visit a couple of local teams to ask questions. Make sure you take a couple of other students with you for more sets of eyes and ideas. Cool thing about FIRST competitions, most of the time teams have no problem explaining the complexities and design considerations they underwent in order to make the machine you're looking at. Will you use everything you learn? Definitely not, but it helps having it as a resource.

Definitely know the rules like the back of your hand. They have to be taken into consideration with most every detail of the design. Things like cut-off switches mounted near chains will fail inspection, so there are some gotchas even after the rules. Seeing another well-designed robot will help you gain experience in those areas.

Start learning how drive trains work and the importance of a GOOD drive train. "Defensive" teams can do 1 simple thing very well (e.g. ramps in 2007), play defense for the rest of the game, and STILL get to the same levels of competition that a more exotic team can get to.