One fun way to mark your machine is to get it a tattoo - a decal. I have one on my Bernina 440QE. You can find them at
https://www.urbanelementz.com/shop/category/decals/. In full disclosure, the owner is a friend of mine, but her products are high quality and there is a nice selection.
As an old Girl Scout leader, I put my initials on everything that is easily duplicated. It does minimize confusion, especially if there is only one cutting station or several ironing boards. I use a purple Sharpie. If you have a favorite color, use it for marking everything. Labels are good, too, but can be peeled off.
If you plan on taking a lot of classes, especially as a newbie, it might be easier if you get a smaller machine. And you will be able to take it on retreats and workshops. I have several Singer 221 Featherweights, and alternate between them. The advantage of a mechanical machine is that you can leave it in the trunk of your car in all weather (though in SE Texas, it doesn't get too cold, so I don't know how it would do in the lower temps). I left one of my FWs in the trunk of my car for about 6 months, using it when I needed it, and didn't bring it in the house until I needed to lube and oil it.
In addition to the power cord/surge protector, you might need a lamp. I always take a small fan and an iron (though some places won't let you use it because of the load on their electrical system).
Make a list of everything you are taking. You can check off the items as you pack them, and you can check them off as you repack them, so you will know that you are going home with everything you brought.