* If yourself and your roommate (friend or random drawing, whatever) do not get along right off the bat, there is not a good chance that you'll be best buddies later on. Seperate, find a new roommate, and try to move on before your life and/or academic performance are affected.
* Don't get too involved in school activities your first year (i.e. FIRST) unless you are absolutely positive that you can maintain your grades, have enough energy to be involved, and can be flexible enough to work with it.
* Once a month, make some real food (steal your parents' George Foreman grill, get some kids together on your floor and go out and have a nice dinner, etc). You will appreciate it, and your body will be happy with you for eating something with substance.
* Make friends with a teacher or professor in your study area. You won't regret it. Find one that you seem compatible with and they will lead you very far.
* Learn all about your college or university's different programs and advantages that are offered to you. Sometimes you can get all kinds of freebies, financial aid, or whathaveyou just by asking.
* Find people with similar interests who have already been there for a year, and find out the local hang outs, where to eat and where to park, etc.
and lastly,
* DON'T start a FIRST team. Wait until later - TRUST ME.
