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Find a balance among classes, study time, recreational activities, and personal time. This may require time away from friends or family for portions of time. Balance also includes making time for studying outside of lectures, eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as extracurricular activities.
Don't just rely on the meal plan. Make a small list of snacks and items you enjoy and keep these handy in your dorm for snack food and when the school cafeterias are closed. This will also reduce your spending habits and counteract the nutritional deficits that result from eating too much fast food.
Research fraternities and sororities before deciding to pledge. Make sure that they adhere to the hazing laws and that they represent things that interest you. Pledge for your own reasons and not because it is what everyone else is doing, as these types of social groups are not for every college student! Join some of the extracurricular activities the campus has to offer. There are many clubs and organizations that welcome students who want to get involved. Getting involved makes the college experience more fulfilling, whether it is via sorority, fraternity, clubs, religious organizations, community service, or just friends getting together for flag football.
Keep your GPA high no matter what, especially if you receive financial aid and plan on post-baccalaureate education. Partying is fine, just do not make partying a priority. The parties will always go on, but slacking in classes will make your GPA suffer.
Get to know your roommate and build some type of relationship with him/her. If you do not get along, let your Resident Adviser know so that you can find resolution. It is important to let your roommate know where you go when it is late or whether you plan on staying the night away.
Be careful of the "free t-shirts and free items" the credit card associates offer for your application. Credit is important to maintain in good status and difficult to fix once you fall short, therefore be careful when applying for credit cards. If you cannot pay for items now, chances are you will not be able to pay for them within the next month. Even if you have an on-campus job, save your money and buy what you like instead of getting credit cards to pay for items.
Keep up with your school ID and personal identification items. These are a part of your individual identity and if lost, someone can steal your identity and put your identity in a world of trouble. Normally, your school ID will have your school credit for your meal plan and also allow you to enter into different facilities throughout the campus.
When you are able to choose electives, choose classes that interest you and courses you think you will enjoy. It helps if you can score well (B+ or better) in these courses to help your GPA in case you struggle in some of your core classes.
Finally, have fun as you adventure through your college experience. Meet people, take each course seriously, exercise, eat balanced meals, and make time for things you enjoy! College is first and foremost about getting a good education, but then you are also required to enjoy your time there!