I will add one more suggestion - keep your parents informed.
Most people attending college are 18, and thus have reached the age of majority. Privacy concerns lead colleges and universities to communicate directly with the student, leaving the parent out of the loop. (Except to send the tuition bill, of course!) If your parents are paying for all or part of your education, they have the right to know how you are doing. So even if the university isn't going to share that report card with a failing grade on it, you shoud 'fess up to it and let your parents know. (Edit: Yes, I know, no FIRSTer ever fails a class - I'm just speaking hypothetically.
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And it's not just grades, but also live in general. Sure, we don't know all your new friends and activities, and may not understand all you tell us. Still, an email every week or two to let us know you're still alive is very welcome. Back in my day, we actually had to find paper, pen, envelope, stamp ... No student should be so busy that he or she can't keep in touch. Jot us a note in between IM'ing your friends.