Looking to buy a DSLR camera for the first time - any recommendations please?

I'm beginning in digital photography, and I'm really enjoying it so far. I've started saving money to buy a DSLR but I have no idea which one I should buy. I've been borrowing my dad's Canon 350D (his friend gave it to him a while back so it's about 5 years old) and we're both still learning it.

I asked my teacher (who's a pro photographer) for a recommendation and she's a Nikon girl, haha. But she said to just read up specs on them.

I'm still learning so I don't know all the terms yet, but I'd like a DSLR camera (any brand but I did learn on a Canon) that I can learn on. Any recommendations for me please?

Two cameras come to mind. The Nikon D3200 and the Canon T3i.
Since I'm a Nikon guy, I lean towards Nikon. Both are excellent companies.

Nikon d3200 d5100 or d7000 with a 50mm lens

Try the 650D. It's pretty amazing. Since you're already using your dad's 350D, the build should be around the same. If you want to pay less, try the 550D (I have this camera and it's optically excellent).

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/860680-REG/Pentax_15758_K30_Digital_Camera_with.html

As with most of the answers here, I also lean towards Nikon as they make better entry to mid level DSLRs.

The Nikon D3100 is a great beginner DSLR as it has a nice simple intuitive interface and is pretty much good at everything. Don't get the D3200, the 24MP sensor is actually worse in terms of quality and the noise performance is dismal. Definitely not worth the extra price.

The Nikon D5100 is great if you want a step up from the D3100, sharing the same sensor as the D7000 and adding a swivel tilt screen. It's just as easy and simple to use as the D3100, but can be pushed to become a solid mid-spec performer if required.