To study a subject best, understand it thoroughly before you start. To do a lab really well, have your report done well in advance. If you can't get the answer in the usual manner, start at the answer and derive the question. If that doesn't work, start at both ends and try to find a common middle. In case of doubt, make it sound convincing.
Team work is essential.
It allows you to blame someone else. All unmarked beakers contain fast-acting, extremely toxic poisons. Any delicate and expensive piece of glassware will break before any use can be made of it. These two friends were so confident going into the final that the weekend before finals week, even though the Chem final was on Monday, they decided to go up to University of Virginia and party with some friends up there. So they did this and had a great time.