So this is my first car with functioning air conditioning (for various reasons, depending on the car) and I'm wondering whats the difference in getting air from inside or outside of the car? I switched to inside circulation because of the numerous odors I smelled today on the way to class and back .

During the summer, inside circulation helps cool the car better. This is because air that'* already cooled (relative to outside air) is circulated through the cooling system to make it even cooler. When you get air from the outside, it has to cool the hot air as it comes in, thereby making your cooling system less effective.

Another thing to consider is that you generally get more "fresh air" pulling it in from the outside as opposed to recirculating the same air that'* inside the car. That'* purely subjective though.

What I will usually end up doing is, on a hot day is rolling windows all the way down, turning A/C to take air from the outside, once initial blast of inferno is gone, windows up, leave back windows cracked, when it starts cooling things down moreso, I switch to recirculate, then windows go up.

The only problem with recirculating is moisture. It will start to build up inside the car. Not a good idea during the winter months. But with the AC on most of the moisture should be removed.

So outside recirculation in the winter and a ritual involving both during the summer?

Pretty much. Given the option, I always use recirculated air. Unless I stink, then I keep bringing in fresh air.

well colin i don't really know what to say other than MOST people take a shower when they stink.just saying lol

This mainly happens on those hundred-degree days when I'm forced to wear a shirt and tie. (Thankfully few and far between.)

lol yeah i know how it is....I live in my truck with no ac lol

The a/c should remove moisture from the air, look under your car when you park after using it - particularly in humid conditions - and you should see a small puddle from the drain. If you don't, check the drain isn't blocked.
When I first had a car with working a/c I was impressed with how quickly it defogged the glass. We only really need a/c over here for a few weeks in the year but it is now an option on most cars sold here. 50 years ago you paid extra to have a heater in the car - some thing that was often needed!.