How to graduate from college
How I did it: I jumped right out of the gate in picking all the classes I wanted to take, which helped a lot my first few quarters (we did quarters, not semesters), and once I picked a major my curriculum was pretty much set from there.
Money-wise I wound up getting a combination of loans, school grants, and work-study, all of which paid for everything including off-campus housing the last two years. Naturally, I had a good $15k worth of loans to pay off afterward, but it was worth it for the experiences and memories alone.
Classes weren't as difficult as I imagined, so long as I made the time and effort. I probably could've challenged myself more, but with a 3.33GPA I can't say I didn't do well. And I have a fancy B.A. in Film & Digital Media hanging on my apartment wall now.
Lessons & tips: Never underestimate the importance of just doing the damn work. I found that it's easier to get stuff done and then party.
But as they say, you have three options: study, sleep, social life. Pick two.
Resources: For classes/major concerns, definitely take the time to visit an adviser. That's what they're there for.
Libraries and scholarly journal websites are good resources for ... well, resources for papers and what-not.
A good cup of coffee always helps.
