First of all, ask your instructor if he or she has a preference as to what type of PC to get. Some instructors prefer that everyone in the class have the same model so that you will be in tune when practicing together.

If the instructor doesn't care, then I would suggest getting a long poly PC from Dunbar, Gibson or John Walsh. Buy poly because you WILL drop the PC at some point, and it's nice to have one that bounces rather than cracks. A long PC is closer to the size/feel of the regular pipe chanter, and makes transitioning a little easier. Dunbar's Millenium 2000 Extra Long is very nice. If that's the route you decide to take, this page can help you find a good place to buy.

Your PC will come with a reed, but you may want to go ahead and buy another to go with it.

Above all, avoid the cocus-wood PCs from Pakistan/India. They don't sound very good, and practicing on them will tend to make it more difficult for you to tune your pipe chanter later on.

How long does the class run? Is it a limited time, or is it ongoing?

Best of luck.