Welcome to the wonderful world of IFR. It is fun and challenging but just pay attention and learn everything that you can because it could save your life. MSFS or X-Planes are good to help you with you scan but other then that I would not use a flight Sim(other then an FAA approved one with and CFII) Try to get as much actual that you can.(This is only if you and your instructor is comfortable with it.) Fly on "easy" days. IE 1000ft celling with 4 mi vis. But the most important thing to remember is to fly the plane first and keep it up right. In IMC there is less room for error then VMC. Any way have fun you will find this is the hardest rating to earn and keep your mind open and never stop learning.