I've got a lot so bear with me!
1. If you have trouble getting out of bed and finding motivation, just remember, half of college is showing up to class. It doesn't matter if you haven't showered or forgot to do the reading. At least show up. I've skipped classes for stupid reasons and hated myself the rest of the day. Just go.
2. Get your textbooks off Amazon if you can. Your school bookstore WILL overcharge you. I know. I worked at one. Their "price matching" policies aren't what you think. You can also get your books shipped super fast if you use your student email. I think you get like 6 months free of Prime if you sign up as a student.
3. Buy a calender for your wall (preferably a dry erase one), a weekly planner, and a monthly planner if you can. I use my monthly planner to write every assignment from my syllabus in the first week of class. I use my weekly planner to write my assignments in as the week goes by (and I highlight what I really really need to do that night). I use my wall calender to copy down all the month's assignments/appointments/activities. That way I never miss an assignment (unless I do so by choice).
4. Make sure you like your room but don't spend too much time in it. My bed is my safe place and being in my room makes it very easy for me to give up on stuff and just go to sleep whenever I want to. Find a place on campus you like for doing homework to keep yourself from crawling into bed before everything is done.
5. If you live on campus, get a meal plan (a lot of campuses actually make you get one if you live on campus). You'll have hot food options avaliable and I promise you its way better than ramen and cereal every day.
6. Clean your dorm room once a week. Wipe down counters, vacuum, mop if necessary, put dirty clothes away, do your laundry, wash dishes, throw out old food, wipe down the fridge, etc. I love cleaning so maybe this is a bit excessive but I can't stand to live in a dirty/messy environment. Plus, it makes me feel productive even if I'm avoiding assignments.
7.You're going to procrastinate. I don't care what you tell yourself. And that's ok. Just make sure not to stress yourself too much and don't take everything so seriously. I was working on a huge paper the night before it was due and had a complete breakdown. I was extremely upset and told my Mom I was going to drop out. I ended up getting an A on it.
8. Making friends is really hard for me. I've been here for 2 years and don't really have any but it's a completely avoidable problem. Go to campus events even for things you don't necessarily care about. That's where the people are.
9. Get a sound machine. I have roommates that like to wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning and be loud. Sound machines are good for noise.
10. Be nice to your professors. Sit in the front. Participate in class.
11. Utilize on campus services. A lot of campuses have a health center you can use for anything from mental health services to check-ups to extra tampons/condoms/other products.
12.Pick a major you like. Not a major that you think will make you the most money.