Regular attendance at every class session is essential to success in philosophy. Read essays and other texts when they are assigned. Do not get behind in your reading.
Philosophy is a little like math or science, each element builds on what has gone before.
Reading texts twice is a minimum standard for success in philosophy. Some texts may need to be read more than twice. Set aside a regular time to study philosophy. There will be days when you would rather be doing something else or something else seems more important. Keep your study appointment.