my two cents...
if you're in college for networking, take your certs asap after your classes. my biggest regret was not taking several of 'em right after it was fresh on my mind (sec+, ccna, etc). i'm now having to refresh my memory myself, w/o the help of labs/classes, to get the certs i want & need. anyway, imo, like most have said...taking classes is your best bet, if possible.