Yeah, Phase 1, Day 1 is a good time to start (unless you show up early and have friends that know what stuff is current, and you've got nothing better to do.)
Phase 1 is all academics and sims for 6 weeks. It goes from an almost "zero knowledge" point. So, you'll get systems, wx, VFR/IFR rules, etc. etc. That is really the time to get ahead with checklists (that single-page handout you use in the aircraft), local procedures, etc.