Skimming the material first will familiarize you with the vocabulary and the basic concepts so that you can follow what the professor is saying. Review your notes prior to each class, then if you have any questions, you can be prepared to ask them. You need balance and perspective. Reward yourself for hard work with planned time for fun. The pressure usually builds as the semester progresses.
Homework is often light in the beginning of the semester and gets heavier near the end.
By Thanksgiving you may find yourself swamped if you do not plan ahead. Establish Your Reputation as a Good Student Try to do really well on the first test or assignment. You'll not only impress your instructor, you'll have a little cushion to fall back on if times get tough. Learn to Take Good Notes Material is presented too quickly for you to be able to learn it all through listening. Some student use tape recorders.