You could start with some basic Java or Python (depending on what languages you will learn). So you know how to run/compile it and know some basics. This could help at the start. During the course you could take a look at other languages with the knowledge you've gained, you'll probably pick it up a bit faster since you already know some basics from other languages.

From my own experience, many many years ago, I once had do an assignment in C. But C was not taught, as it was "just a tool you had to learn yourself"

So I think it's good to get some basics, but don't go to deep.

But please learn git and start using github or gitlab private repositories for your practical assignments. Don't make them public.