I tripped across this site which although does have a commercial bias is a good start if you've not built anything electronic before or have just started out. It is UK-centric but is still of use elsewhere.
It covers identifying components, reading diagrams and symbols, what to buy and how to solder. I did like the fact they emphasize you don't have to spend a fortune...
http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/index.htm
They have a FAQ page, but a posting on this forum in the 'Off Topic' section should yield an answer to your question.
The links page is well worth a visit.
My hope of course is that you'll apply these new found skills to NBTV...which if you're a student would be a noteworthy assignment!
Steve A.
26/08/2014
It appears these people have moved to...
http://electronicsclub.info/