Art students who are serious about what they are doing will put a lot of effort into developing their own style. It is beneficial to study artists from history, professional artists working today, and the work of fellow students, but in the end if your work looks like many other people's work you probably won't get much attention. It is a difficult balance to absorb the lessons of other artists without becoming derivative, but for those who can manage it the rewards are great.
Like so many things in life, success as an art student and as an artist is dependent as much on who you know as on what you know. Begin early while you are still a student to develop relationships with academics, critics, writers, other artists, dealers, and curators, particularly those who exhibit an interest in the kind of art you do. Keep contact information for all of these people, and put some effort into ensuring that they remember who you are, by inviting them to your shows, pursuing media coverage of your work, and periodic personal contact.
The most successful art students are the ones who know what they want and are willing to make the sacrifice to get it. Development of fine art skills takes a great deal of time and effort, and this means less time doing other things that might be more enjoyable in the short term, such as partying or watching TV. Contrary to the popular image of artists as self-indulgent bohos, an artist with little self-discipline will probably not be an artist for long.
Temper your focus with a willingness to explore many different kinds of art. Go to art shows in different venues, including established museums, commercial galleries, alternative spaces, cafes, street shows, and wherever else art is being displayed. Experiment with oils, watercolor, sculpture, encaustic, and other media that speak to you. Part of being a student is discovering your aptitudes, strengths, and weaknesses, and this requires experimentation.
Don't lie to yourself about what you are and are not capable of. If you find yourself pursuing a path that you really don't like, and you know that it's because of inaptitude and not just laziness or fear, be honest with yourself and change course. The time to do this is when you are a student, and not after you have invested ten years of your life in a particular style or medium. Your work will continue to change and evolve throughout your career, but it will help you to direct it toward your true aptitudes and interests as early as possible.