Perhaps this is a bit obvious, but the C172 has a back seat. Ride for free when you can and get rides, especially on instrument lessons in actual IFR. This will give you a massive advantage when you go after IFR training later. When I was a CFI, I rode with a part 91 twin pilot with a death wish. I'd had enough after two weeks, but I saw all the ways you DON'T
fly a plane in those two weeks.
He crashed a wee bit later. He's OK, but unemployed.