What is the best way to go about applying for student loans?

I am going to attend Boston University in the fall to begin my undergraduate degree. I did not fill the FAFSA out earlier this year mostly because I would not receive any financial aid. I have decided that I would like to fund my education with student loans and pay them back with money as soon as I graduate instead of funding my education with cash in the bank – for many reasons, but mostly to increase my credit and to pay with money in 2014 instead of 2010 money with the weak economic situation.

How much can I expect to receive in government student loans? And what is the best way to apply for them? What is the process like? Will I be able to fund my education completely on the government loans? And if not – how do I apply for private loans? Do I apply for one year at a time, or for my entire undergraduate education? Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much in advance for your help!