Anime (n.) -- a transliteration of the Japanese word a-ni-me, in turn a transliteration of the English word animation. Used by Western cultures to describe a wide range of animated works done in typically flashy and stylized form originating from Japan.
"How do I get my hands on it?"
Find and download fansubs. Or buy the DVDs, if you can afford it. Fansubs --- digital video files obtained from DVD or TV recordings in Japanese and edited to include subtitles -- are produced by nonprofit subbing groups and freely distributed on the Internet. IRC and torrents are the most common way to obtain fansubs, but the ResNet firewall greatly diminishes their efficiency. Good starting points on campus would be the Hopkins DC++ hub. Information can be found online, including instructions, IRC channels and torrent sites.
"What should I watch?"
The only way to find suitable anime is to experiment with many different types. Animenewsnetwork.com is an excellent informational hub, incorporating a short description of the anime, a rating system and other details. Anidb.info and anime-source.com are also excellent resources for learning about various anime before watching. For starters, here is a short list of common genres and a few recommended titles. Happy viewing.
Action
Usually involves guns, swords, martial arts or some combination of the three in conjunction with science fiction and/or futuristic settings, although historical and fantasy types may also occur.
Examples: Rurouni Kenshin, Naruto, Bleach, Samurai Champloo, Black Cat.
Comedy
Typified by slapstick, school love-comedies, embarrassing sexual situations and ridiculous pretenses. Often puts humorous entertainment over plot development.
Examples: School Rumble, Great Teacher Onizuka, Golden Boy.
Drama
Heavy emphasis on tensions between characters, focusing more on character interaction, with other elements often used as plot devices to advance character development. Often rather dark in general tone with angst prevalent throughout, but can also include more lighthearted types.
Examples: Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist, Mai-HiME.
Fantasy
Features characters in medieval, supernatural, futuristic or historical settings. Often contains drama, romance, comedy and other themes.
Examples: Fate/Stay Night, Chrono Crusade, Vision of Escaflowne.
Mecha
Known infamously as the "giant robot" genre, although drama between characters rather than robot fights is usually the real focus.
Examples: Gundam SEED, Full Metal Panic, RahXephon, Tekkaman Blade.
Psychological
Spans all genres, but characterized by series elements being used to thoroughly analyze characters or deliver a message. Often aimed at more mature audiences.
Examples: Cowboy Bebop, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Elfen Lied.
Romance
Boy-meets-girl (but not always) complicated by strange circumstances designed to make romance difficult, often to comedic effect.
Examples: Chobits, Love Hina, Tenchi Muyo, Midori no Hibi.
