In college, the last thing you want to do is fall behind. You will make your life so much harder on yourself if you do this. Mostly what I notice is that people often do this to themselves. I honestly can't wrap my mind around it, though, that this isn't public school anymore. We are literally spending tons of money to be here, why would you intentionally let yourself fail? Well, to each his/her own right?
If you don't want to be part of the masses of people that eventually just drop out/withdrawal from college and just waste their time, here are some things to look out for.
1. Go to class
As the semester progresses you'll notice that the one person that is always late, begins to just not go to class at all. DO NOT be this person. In fact, it is not even just one person; it is like a little crowd of people that does this (depending on the size of your class). You're paying for that class, why would you not go to it? That's like paying for an iPhone you do not use.
2. Pay attention
Going to class is half that battle, actively participating is the other half. Go into class prepared and ready to do what we are in college for: to learn! Lecture is the meat of the course. There is literally so much you can pick by simply sitting there and just listening (not saying that is all you should do during lecture). If you're just going to sit there and talk, text, or sleep, it is just as bad as not going to class. Do not be the guy in the back of the class watching Netflix on their laptop; I know you're out there. Or worse, do not do homework for another class; you won't be able to focus on both. Which brings me to my next point.
3. Do not procrastinate
You will literally, precisely, adequately, structurally set yourself up to fail if you procrastinate. That, and you'll have a massive headache from which will lead to more procrastination. The word itself just sounds nasty. What goes hand in hand with as well is Time Management. If you don't know how to do it, you better learn fast or college will swallow you whole. I have seen people on campus have mental breakdowns because of how overloaded they are, and often times it is their own fault. Just stay on top of your stuff and it is smooth sailing no doubt.
4. Study
What good is a pro-skateboarder if he doesn't practice? It is the same thing when it comes to our schooling. Did you know that if you go back over your notes within 24 hours of taking them it increases your memory of the material by 400%? WOW! Who would've known that studying actually works? Hit the books friends.
5. Have fun
Besides core curriculum we should all be studying we generally enjoy (hopefully), and you should be having fun doing so. Don't be a mindless zombie on campus that doesn't talk to anyone. Make some friends in your classes and get to know people of the same major. You should reward yourself for all the hard work of simply staying on top of your grades. College can be challenging, you deserve a pat on the back sometimes. But don't have too much fun, remember why you're at college in the first place. You should have an equilibrium of fun and school.
Furthermore, just do what you're supposed to do and you will be a-okay, I guarantee it.