I have one more semester until I will be able to afford a home gym. Im wondering if I should start the equipment-less at home template now, or if that will screw with the gainz that come from being a noob under the bar this summer.
Welcome! We would whole-heartedly suggest you begin training now, as you are able. This will not inhibit future barbell progress, in fact it will be helpful to start training now - making this a habit, making training progress now, increasing your work capacity, improving your health, all those good things!