Go out, take a few photos and note down all the settings for each photo for the first few photos (Aperture, Shutter and ISO), and also write down both what exposure value they calculate, and what you think it is.

You can find the calculation anywhere on the internet, you're looking for EV Exposure Value and can be done in your phone calculator

It's a good way to confirm if you're lighting judgement is right, use the metering tool to help inform each shot too. That'll help see if your camera has any defects before you really get into it.

If in doubt, underexpose rather than overexpose because you can always push the film.

And if you want, get a UV filter for your stock lens if you want to avoid lens flare. They're usually pretty cheap.