Complete beginner. Where to start?

Hi, As started, I am a complete beginner. I am hoping to pursue a career in the gaming industry in the future, hopefully as a game designer, but as you can probably tell I have little experience. Anyway, I was wondering if it was possible for someone to give me some guidelines to go by as to where to start with game design and development, such as everything I will need to learn, and where I will be able to learn it. I also intend on studying some form of game design at university, so any information on ideal courses to take (if any) would be appreciated too. Thanks in advance