Attend all your class sessions unless an emergency arises where you must miss one. If you get into a habit of skipping one or two classes a week, it can be a difficult trend to break. Skipping school can result in you missing important information for your next class relating to an assignment or test. Attending class can help you form relationships with classmates for studying and social activities as well.
Set aside time to study for your classes. Remove yourself from distractions during these study times. This might mean that you need to plan to study in the school library or computer lab. This way your friends will not be tempting you with other opportunities during your study time. Keep a calendar for when assignments are coming up and plan ahead to complete them. While time management is important for class, don't forget to schedule some social time. This will help you limit the temptation to replace study time with social activities.
Take note of when each of your professors has open office hours for you to make an appointment for assistance. Try to visit your professors at least once or twice a month during these open office hours just to keep an open line of communication. By showing that you are willing to discuss your work, the professor will recognize the pride you take in it. He will also be more willing to make time for you in an emergency if he knows you well. Your professor can also be a helpful resource when choosing future courses.
Attempt to work as much as you can and save money in between college semesters. This will reduce or eliminate the need for you to work while you are attending college. Your schedule will already be quite full with classes, study time and social obligations. Adding work could force you into missing classes or studying time, which could have a negative effect on your grades. When you are working between semesters, put half of your paycheck into an account that you don't touch until you go to school. This will reduce your risk of being distracted by financial difficulties while at college.
If your campus has all of your necessities within walking distance, avoid bringing a car to campus. This is especially true for your first semester or two. You will find that if you have a car, the temptation to spend time doing activities that pull time away from class and studying will increase. You may also find that your friends are frequently looking to you to provide transportation, possibly interfering with your own scheduling.