It's great to see so many people offering advice.
Rob s makes very good points.
Fundamental classes (as one's first class should be unless you have been trained by your job in those aspects) should be comparatively low density, with ample time to learn the basics and jam mags. If you are wondering what level IV plate you should buy and what carrier to put it in for the class, you probably don't need it, and the class is probably oriented to a different audience/skill set than you want for just getting into formal training. There are exceptions, of course, but generally speaking, it is in the students best interest to start at the beginning.
Others have talked about setup, an often overlooked aspect. It helps if you bring a heavy-duty stapler and a box of staples. Any good instructor will have some for the line, but staplers have a tendancy to migrate, hide, and commit suicide. Having your own ensures that you are not dependant on someone else remembering to hand the stapler to the left instead of to the right. Just like everything else, distinctly mark it or it might join the others in their escape.
A roll of duct tape (as should already be in any male's vehicle) often comes in handy. Don't get the cheap stuff, it won't work in the cold or wet.
