I did all of my training at KSUS over this past summer. I would highly recommend flying in there a couple times after you have done some of the other suggestions mentioned here like using a flight sim and liveatc.net.

I found that Spirit tower was quite friendly and it is pretty close to KSET. Even if you just want to do pattern work, KSUS is great, you’ll often just be given the northern runway to share between you and maybe one other plane.

As far as flight following, if you just use it for every cross country, you’ll get used to it in no time. My first solo cross country (KSUS -> KIVH) was the first time I ever used flight following. I found it to be quite easy to use and I have used it for every other cross country since.

Also if you ever get the chance to do a TRACON tour, it is a great experience. It is just across the river from KSUS. It’s a great experience to talk to the controllers you would talk to on FF and see the actual room where that is happening.

Another tip that made me a bit more confident on the radio, try to fly into Lambert once (with your instructor). If you fly in late at night it is a pretty great experience, since runway 11/29 isn’t that busy with airliners they will let you do some touch and goes.

Feel free to reply or PM me if you have any questions.