Papa Bear is right, as my old Sargeant Major used to say "any fool can be uncomfortable!". Particularly when diving colder waters, the right level of exposure protection is critical if you are to enjoy your diving. Make yourself as comfortable as you can be or you'll risk being put off the whole process.

Don't forget that, once you get into diving, like most hobbies, it is an endless money pit. No matter what equipment you buy today, you will want something else tomorrow. Whether that is additional equipment or upgrades, either way, over time you will accumulate it. As you go through training you will see and learn about different equipment from BCDs and Regs to watches and computers, take some time to figure out what best fits your needs. For example, if there is a chance of you getting into Nitrox in the reasonably near future, then to buy a computer without that capability may be a little shortsighted.

Also, even if the school you're working with is not a retail dive shop, they obviously buy their equipment from somewhere. If you plan to go through the whole training process with them, I'm sure there are deals to be done on equipment once you decide what you want and need. They may be able to get you discounts on equipment through their wholesaler or through other dive shops they deal with, its definitely worth a conversation.

Until then, enjoy your diving, make the most of the training and have fun.