It depends on your needs, no?
Try getting an ultra cheap 1-year signup for a few dollars to play with the linux-based hosting (Cpanel admin UI). Here's one (google deal sites for more):
$2.88 for one year, https://netoctave.com/clients/cart.php?gid=5
Coupon code: PORTFOLIO65
If you find it works for your needs, cpanel may be the way to go. There are hundreds of hosting providers to choose from, all very affordable.
If on the other hand you need the advanced application and admin capabilities of Google App Engine or Amazon Web Services, those two are highly reliable and well-supported options.
For AWS, you can apply for an Amazon Educational Grant. Here's how: sign up for an online course (Coursera.org or Udacity.com for example) that uses cloud services or web programming. Then use that course name to apply for a grant here: http://aws.amazon.com/education/terms/
Amazon will give you a $100 grant in AWS credits very quickly, good for atleast two years. This will help you get familiar with AWS and decide if that's the route you prefer.
