Schedule your schoolwork time. College gives you more free time, but also piles on more work than high school. Getting assignments done the day they are assigned is no longer the norm. To reduce your stress, pace yourself appropriately on your assignments and spread them out when possible. Procrastination is tempting, but if you try to do everything the night before it is due, you'll give yourself a headache.
Understand your limits. You know how fast you're able to read a book or a chapter of material, so plan around that. Split up long readings, like novels, if possible to avoid monotony. Reading things in sections instead of entire assignments also helps reduce stress when you plan your time accordingly before the reading is due.
Talk to your professors or teaching assistants if you're struggling. They can provide extra help with material you're having difficulty understanding, or may provide tips on how to approach your work.
Set aside time to relax. Exercising is a great tool to unwind. It helps your blood flow, releases endorphins to improve your mood, and makes you feel healthier overall. Enjoy time with friends and check out activities happening on campus or fun places to go out.
Have a system of support in place in case you get overwhelmed. Having a few close friends or family members to talk things out with helps a lot. Alternatively, you may check with your school to see if they offer any counseling for anxiety or other problems, or if they offer seminars on how to deal with stress, freshman adjustment or time management.
Be your own person. Don't worry about who you're going to fit in with or whether or not you're doing things everyone else is doing. It's more important to be yourself and pursue what you're interested in. It will make your whole college experience much more enjoyable.