1. Read through your syllabus.

This document is your professor's guidelines for the course. It will tell you about all of the assignments, when the exams are and how your grade is broken down. You'll probably have to reference this multiple times throughout the semester so download it or print it out.

3. Add the dates of all exams, quizzes, projects and papers to your calendar.

Most professors don't allow late assignments so it's essential that you stay on top of when everything is due.

2. Find a friend or someone you trust in the class.

About half of all professors don't put their slides online. This means that if you miss a class or two you're out of luck. Unless, of course, you have a friend or trusted individual that could let you borrow their notes. Remember that this is a two way street so make sure you take notes in case they ever ask you.

4. Stay on top of the readings.

Falling behind on reading is one of the worst things to recover from. Although you might not be incredibly interested in every class you are enrolled in, you need to read the required text for all of them. Believe me... it'll be a lot more painful when you have to read 150 pages the night before the exam.

5. Take notes in class.

You are paying to be in class, so make sure you are there. If you really want to have some extra motivation, divide out how much you pay per course by how many days you are in that course per semester. That's how much you are flushing down the toilet if you decide to press the snooze button. While you're there in class, take notes about the things the professor is saying and key things from the slides. They should supplement the reading you already completed before class. Save yourself some time, energy and stress by using shorthand. You don't need to write everything in full sentences or copy the slide word for word.

6. Review your notes after class, or at least once a week.

Use your notes as a resource. Cramming before an exam won't help you the same as reviewing your notes for 30 to 60 minutes at night after each class. This will help you actually retain the knowledge for future classes also.

7. Find a spot to study at.

Studying in bed may seem like the most comfortable spot, but you probably won't be as productive. Explore the spaces on your campus. I guarantee there are some cool study spots. It may be at the coffee shop, library or student union. If you like complete silence, there is usually a floor in the library dedicated to just that. If you need a place where people are walking around and quietly talking, I'm sure there's a place like that also. Make it a habit of studying in this spot because your brain get's accustomed to it. Whenever you go there, you'll be able to focus easier when it becomes a habit.

8. Plan out chunks of time dedicated to studying.

Before the week starts, sit down and figure out what chapters you have to read, what assignments are due and what quizzes or exams you have to study for. Estimate how long each of these will take you. Then plan out chunks throughout the week so it is easier to ensure you get everything done. You're going to be busy with organizations, meetings, jobs and your social life. Make studying just as much of a priority.

9. Don't be afraid to visit your professor during their office hours.

It may be difficult to ask a question in a lecture hall of 200 or 300 people. Head over to your professor's office during their office hours and they will be more than happy to have a conversation about your question. They are required to be there so you might as well stop by. Also it shows initiative and you'll have a better chance of them remembering you.

10. Use online resources.

There are so many resources our there to help if you don't understand a topic. There are also a plenty of resources to help study. I take all of my notes using Google Docs because I can access them on any computer, tablet or phone. I'm also a fan of Quizlet. You can make flashcard without having to physically write on every card. There's also an app for your phone so you can study on the bus, waiting in line for coffee or just if you are on the go.

11. Stay on top of your assignments.

I can't stress this enough! The worst thing is to start getting ready for bed when you realize that you have a paper due at midnight. Avoid these stressful situations by checking your syllabus weekly and adding everything to your calendar or planner.