Many factors are at play here.
I assume we are talking about morning coffee and not about something that helps to pull you through the night of studying.
So, the easiest (minimal amount of work in the morning) would be a drip coffee. Definitely an upgrade from instant. Many of machines allow you to preset the wake up time, so that you prepare everything at night, and then you wake in the morning to a ready cup (or two) of coffee waiting for you.
If you actually care about taste and want something that won't just give you a kick in the head, but actually be a pleasurable experience - buy real whole bean coffee, and grind it yourself.
As to a way to make coffee - that is a purely opinion based question. Some people love espresso. I like my french press. Some love their morning cappuccino, etc. You have to experiment and find your drink of choice.
But the first best thing you can do, is to buy a whole bean coffee and grind it yourself. The taste difference (specially after an instant coffee) will be enormous!
Good Luck in your coffee adventure!