Learning Electronics

[yash101]

Hi guys!
I am quite a curious person and like to learn whatever I can. I was wondering about where I should brush my electronics skills up, and learn new things. Currently, I do things the 'cheap-n-dirty' way. I want to change that into, 'higher quality than what was demanded'. Where should I start? I have a Digital Electroncs course starting right after the break (or if you want to call it this, KickOff!)

Things I want to learn:
Transistors, and how to use them without making magic smoke.
MicroControllers
Should I learn about FPGAs early? We will cover them in my DE class, but I like to learn things ahead of time so that in class, I will only review it!

Thank You, and Happy Holidays!