I would think it will be fairly tough emotionally and physically but not overwhelmingly so unless you are unfortunate enough to be ill. It might be useful to talk to your midwife about what would happen if you were?
I would definitely make arrangements to cater for an emergency. As a single mum you will need to do this anyway.
Emotionally, it's great having someone to talk to - if you haven't met other local mums through NCT or hypnobirthing yet, then try. They will all be near strangers until you all start emailing each other in the dead of night posting "is this normal". If you are really lucky you will have someone a week or two ahead of you who is dishing out all the lessons learned.
The CS is a bit like having the sorest abs workout from hell, it just goes on for a few weeks. You should feel pretty normal by 6 weeks but for the first two walking more than a 200 yards can be exhausting.
Your profile says you live in London - hopefully you don't live in an upstairs flat so taking a pram out won't be a feat of endurance. I would use a sling if you do, definitely don't try to lift the pram without help.
Leaving the hospital - if you are heading home in a taxi, a nurse or orderly will carry the car seat and bag out if you ask. I can't imagine a taxi driver who wouldn't be prepared to assist at the other end if forewarned.
Definitely meal plan unless you do awfully well with sleep deprivation. I found myself in a slight fog for literally months and weirdly finding the imagination to plan a meal was much harder than actually making the food!
Physically, by the time you leave the hospital you should be up and about wit h the baby eating well. If you have any reservations (or they do) about leaving they are usually happy for you to stay another day or two unless they are slammed with new mums. Even if they do discharge you earlier than you would like, you will have a health visitor turn up almost immediately - just don't blag it with "all is well" if it is not. Far better to have someone check in on you. I will discharged after 4 days with 3 daily injections of anticlotting stuff. I got the DH to do this (in the stomach) so get the HV in to do it if you are squeamish or make sure you can do it before you leave.
If you don't eat well, it will impact your BFing (if you plan to do it) so it is really worth getting some post op recommendations re food and nutrition and shopping appropriately. Fruit and veg to keep your bowels going etc. Porridge to get the milk going well.
It's useful to have some emergency formula/sterilizing bags/a bottle just in case you do have issues or are severely unwell. In a pinch though the hospital will help out.
If you get on well with your neighbours, ask if they would mind picking you up the occasional pint of milk in the early weeks or letting you know if they are running to the shops. They'll probably be glad to offer.
Stock up if funds permit - lots of cotton wool (avoid wipes), nappies etc so you don't run out unexpectedly. Don't get too silly, they move up through the nappy sizes quite quickly :)
First aid kit - thermometer, some basic baby stuff for rash etc. there's not a lot you can give a new born but it's worth avoiding having to take out a baby to a 24x7 pharmacy if you are by yourself
Emergency cash for taxis - once you are discharged if you have any concerns about the baby you will be sent to A&E. My DD didn't poo for 4 days after leaving hospital so we were on the verge when she finally exploded all over the car seat.
Set up your online grocery favourites now while you can think about it. It's a godsend but at some point you will forget an essential item and a £40 min delivery will force you out of the house when it is least convenient.
You will spend a lot of time feeding in the early weeks, even bottle feeding so a few tv box sets and cushions to prop you up will make all the difference.
Last thing - if people offer to help or bring anything when they visit then accept. Hand over the child and go and have a shower. :) Good luck !