2. Familiarize - Make yourself familiar with the campus. Be sure you can locate the dinning facilities, classrooms, library, security, gym and campus stores. The campus is not all that big, and does not have many buildings; you should be able to find your way around by the end of the first week.
3. Preparation - Prepare for your classes. If they require books, make sure to get the books. If you are assigned reading, make sure you do the reading. Finish all assignments before they are due, and show up to every class on time if not five minutes early.
4. Socialize - Find a group of people to hang out with. College buddies can become life long friends. They are people who you can count on to be there for you and provide a good social "safety net."
5. Get Involved - Join a club; make a new one if none of the current club interest you. What better way to find like minded people, and people who share in your passions then in a club devoted to it.
6. Study - Don't wait until the last minute and try to pull an all night cramming session. Professors rarely mind students visiting them during their office hours to ask for clarification. That is why they have office hours in the first place. Visiting them will allow you to get acquainted with them, but more importantly your professors will get acquainted with you.
7. Staff - Get to know the RA's and RD's. These are the people most likely to answer all your questions and help you with problems not related to the academic sphere. Most have been around for a while, and it is unlikely your problem is unique only to you. Chances are good that others who came before you had similar problems that the RA's and RD's have them with. That puts the RA's and RD's in a good position to help you.
8. Health - With no "parentals" looking over your shoulder, you may be tempted to do some things you know you shouldn't. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and just take good general care of yourself.
9. Help - Seek out help when you need it. No matter what problem you are dealing with, no matter how difficult it may seem to you, there are people here willing and able to help you. They won't know you need help unless you go and ask them for it. Don't feel ashamed, feel empowered that you are actively taking steps to help alleviate the problem.
10. Enjoy - No matter what anyone tells you, you should have fun in college. That is not a license to disregard all your work and responsibilities, but it is important you enjoy yourself. Make sure to set aside time not just for work and study, but for relaxations and enjoyment as well.
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