Every instructor is different. Find out if he or she uses the text heavily. Get a bird's eye view of your entire chemistry course from the very start. Math is essential for chemistry. Study basic math and introductory algebra before and during your chemistry course.
Chemistry progresses from the simple to the complex, building upon existing knowledge at each stage.
Be attuned to the cumulative nature of chemistry. Understand the continuity of the subject. New work may be understood only after earlier work has been well understood. Keep up with the work and don't fall behind. Try not to miss important building blocks along the way.