Birth control methods?

I have done research on every kind. I am 24 years old and starting nursing school in the spring. Babies are not on my agenda right now. I have been tracking my cycle, which has been helpful, but I want to be completely sure my boyfriend and I are doing everything we can to be safe. I have friends on birth control, and they seem to have minimal issues. Up until now, I have been adamantly opposed to hormonal birth control methods, but now that I will be taking on some pretty demanding coursework I have been looking into it more. I have mostly been fearful of the hormones causing problems with other normal body functions. What have you had the best experience with? Also, I have heard horror stories about women having fertility issues once they stop taking the pill. I want children someday, just not right now. Any advice or suggestions would be extremely helpful. :)