Research 1L summer jobs. For first-year law students, the summer job hunt begins dangerously close to exam period, since 1Ls are not allowed to contact major law firms until December 1st. Beginning your research ahead of time will allow you to stay focused on your courses during your first law school exam period.
Put together your legal resume and draft cover letters templates. You won't be able to apply for jobs until late in the fall semester, but if your portfolio is in order, you can avoid the extra stress of preparing for the job hunt while busy with school.
Create and stick to a budget. Many first-year law students receive student loan disbursements at the beginning of each semester to cover tuition and living costs. Some find it helpful to keep separate accounts and to transfer one month's worth of living expenses into a checking account each month.
Read "Getting to Maybe" for an overview of the law school exam process. Law school exams are very different from the evaluation methods used in college, and this book helps familiarize law school students with the practices necessary to succeed on law school exams.
Consider reading other study guides. In addition to casebooks, many students also use commercial outlines, canned briefs, and other supplements. There is little clear evidence that this will get you ahead, but if reading a supplement will calm your fears, it probably won't hurt.
Take time to enjoy your last free summer. Read for pleasure and pursue interests unrelated to law school, as these might be placed on the back burner during the first year of law school.