The best thing you can do, in my opinion, is to get a good set of 7X50 binos and a BASIC star chart. Learn the major constellations and then get a higher resolution set of charts to find the fainter stuff.
This site has a fabulous, free, deep sky atlas that you can use "later on" and plenty of guidance for beginners. There's also a deep sky observing guide.
http://www.deepskywatch.com/index.html
Have fun. I've been at it for almost 45 years!