Go to class. Choose classes at times that work best for you depending on whether you function best in the morning or afternoon. Attending class regularly will give you the opportunity to take notes, participate in discussions and get explanations of assignments and projects firsthand so that you can secure strong grades. Sit in the front row so that you can hear what your professor is explaining and avoid distractions from fellow students. Question what the lecturer says, and organize the information you learn into categories you can remember.
Visit your professors during their office hours. Ask them questions about what you learned in class or areas about which you are confused. Request their advice regarding internship and career opportunities in your chosen field, and ask them why they chose their particular career area. Also, communicate regularly with your college adviser for guidance about what classes you need to take during certain semesters so that you can graduate on time.
Study regularly. Allow yourself two hours of study time for each hour of class time. Set aside time in your busy schedule to focus exclusively on the books, and reserve a space in your dorm room/apartment or plan to visit the library during your study times. Select a study area with little or no distractions.
Engage in 20 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week to maintain good cardiovascular fitness, which will give you more energy and improve your sleep and alertness. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drink water to keep your body healthy (see Resources). Drink no more than one or two alcoholic drinks a day, or avoid drinking totally, as alcohol can cause upset stomach and headaches as well as slow brain activity.
Get involved in campus activities such as intramural sports clubs or community service organizations so that you can build relationships with other students who share similar interests. Go to movies or participate in other entertaining activities with friends, which can help relieve the stress of college life.