This is what I am least looking forward too. I did a few hours with the University Air Squadron and got more than a little stressed about RT. I assume listening to liveatc.net is not the same?
Not really. You need to listen to your local field and understand how people talk there so that you can relate it to the local conditions. If you can't hear it from home spend a while listening in the airport car park, then go and introduce yourself to the guys you have been listening to. Once you realise you are talking to real people the radio will seem less impersonal.
A suitable scanner will cost less than your first lesson and will always be useful as a standby. Just google for a local supplier.