C is a very popular language to use in undergrad courses, all our entry classes (intro to programming, data structures and algorithms, OS fundamentals, etc.) we

C is a very popular language to use in undergrad courses, all our entry classes (intro to programming, data structures and algorithms, OS fundamentals, etc.) were in pure C - exactly because you have to deal with memory from the get-go. If that's the case at the Uni OP is studying at, then he should be come fluent in C - because from experience as a TA, it's not necessarily the CS knowledge/fundamentals that tend to be lacking when people struggle with classes, but rather that they're fighting a new language. Even if they have years of previous experience...especially in these days, when Python or JS tend to be the first (and only) language to many freshmen.