Sit in the front of the room.
Participate
Get to know your professor and TA. Visit them during their office hours.
Know the best way to contact them.
Read before class. Be prepared
Stay awake.
Take notes.
Don't read newspapers/crossword/other class work.
Know what is on your syllabus i.e., dates when assignments are due, your
professors' expectations, etc.
If you don't understand something--make sure you follow up with your professor.
Put a mark in the margin of your notes, so you'll know what needs to be addressed.
Don't wait until the last minute to do any assignments.
You are the one paying for the class, so make sure it meets your expectations.
Make sure you go to class; you only get out of class what you put into
it.
Look in the Academic
Policies and Spartan Life booklets--all students are expected to be familar
with this information.
If you feel as though you’re being treated unfairly, contact the
ombudsman (http://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/).
Save all graded assignments, in case you need to discuss your grade with
your professor.