Best part of starting the bike repair learning curve with a Varsity is, about the only special tools you need are a couple of cone wrenches and plastic tire levers. Everything else (except for the freewheel removal) is standard wrenches, screwdrivers and wire (cable) cutters.

If there is a bike coop in your area, see if they have shop classes. That is what I did, and that also gave me access to any of the special tools that just wouldn't make sense to buy.