Actually attend the lectures if you want to succeed. Most of the professors do not require that students come to lecture class, as they usually don't even take attendance, but they definitely will tell you everything you need to know for the tests.

Apply early so you can find were you want to be.

It is a good beginning to get started for where you want to go.

Join EOPS. they get you an early registration and help pay for books.

I suggest taking your English and Math courses during your first semester or as quickly as possible because of those being the most impacted on campus and it becoming increasing difficult to get into those because of it. I suggest getting involved with clubs, programs, the arts, or student government and just enjoying school and meeting new people whenever you can.