There are lots of C/C++ development environments designed for the Win32 platform. Something like Borland C++ regularly comes free on cover discs of the likes of PC Plus and would be ideal.
Depending on the nature of you application, you may be able to get away with a generic C compiler whichyou could get for free all over the Net
Alternatively, Brighton University used to sell a double CD full of developer tools for the princely sum of four pounds, it was called BURKS - Brighton University Resource Kit for Students. One may still be able to puchase that over the Net from the Brighton University Computer Science Faculty Website. It is a great resource kit and I would recomment it highly for students of all sorts.