Lots of advice to be given and lessons to be learned.
You asked about fueling tips ... here are just a few courtesies.
Don't be a pump hog!
- If there are multiple (often dual) pumps, park so as to allow a second plane to get in and out. Similarly, park so that you can still get out if a second plane comes in (and parks in a reasonable manner). For example, if you see that you'd need what would become that second plane's spot to make a u-turn out of the pumps (say, around pumps at an island, with one serving one side and one serving the other), make the u-turn before you park so that you can pull straight out when you're done.
- While parked at the pumps, don't dawdle in the terminal building (or at the pumps) if there are others waiting or approaching (listen to the radio, CTAF is often audible in the terminal/FBO - are others approaching to land? they may want fuel). Take care of the refueling and move your plane, then take care of your flight planning, kibbitzing, etc.
- Similarly, don't start up and idle at the pumps while you take care of your pre-flight stuff ... be prepared to move away from the pumps and out of the way as soon as you start up.
- To go with these Get Out of the Way tips ... sometimes, home-based planes like to fuel after their flights, before being put away; and, sometimes these pilots will skip that task if the pumps LOOK busy (even IF the pilots at the pumps are otherwise willing to move their planes). So, when you hear/see planes that might be looking for fuel (ie, the airport isn't totally dead), it's a courtesy to move your plane from the pumps.
- Water settles out of fuel quickly. (Try shaking up a jar of avgas and water some time to see for yourself.) You don't need to wait to sump your tanks.
- Mind your propwash - pay attention to what is or will be behind you.
- If you ask for a receipt, take it. Otherwise, the next guy has his receipt, your receipt, and the half-dozen preceding guys' receipts all flying out of the dispenser.
Oh, and if you're going to be stopped awhile (parking your plane in the heat of the day), if possible, refuel just before you depart. Otherwise, the fuel from your full tanks will likely spill out of the vents as things heat up during the day.