Tom,
Whilst I'm sure you'll get lots of useful advice from fellow 'pooners, I would recommend that you have a word with you instructor, as whilst some of the acronyms will be similar the may change slightly for different types of aeroplanes.
For instance, for me, the 'BUMFICH' mentioned by Totalbeginner is different because I fly an aeroplane with 1 tank, but with a variable prop. So for me it's:
B-BRAKES-OFF
U-UNDERCARRIAGE-DOWN (even tho' it's fixed for me!)
M-MIXTURE-Fully Rich (even tho' for my aeroplane I can't vary it)
F-FUEL-Pump ON,
C- Carb heat on
H-HATCHES-Hatches, Doors and harnesses secure
I-INSTRUMENTS-Di Synchronised, Altimeter, T's and P's Checked
P-Propeller set as required.
I agree with the HASELL check acroymn, but for me the LOCATION 'L' also comes with a 'sub-plot' as my instructor also added A, B, C, D. These are:
A- Airfield (clear of any, including farm strips)
B- Built up areas (clear of)
C- Controlled airspace and cloud (clear of)
D- Danger areas (clear of)
Also, have a search in the instructors section, there was a similar thread on acroynms, although some of it was light hearted.
All the best.
C23.