What I do-
- read the week's notes on the train, highlight them, before each tute. This means I can contribute to tutorial discussions = better understanding of topics.
- try to get a head start on assessments. If your books are in reserve, there will be HUNDREDS of other people trying to read them 1 week before the assignment is due. At least do the research in advance so there's no "omg there are no books!" panic.
- if I don't understand something, I get it sorted out with the tutor asap, or I work it out for myself. Don't let it slide then freak out when it's the essay question in the exam.
- attend everything, take notes in the lecture. It means I don't have to catch up on it.
The reading takes up the most time, but it's definitely worth it. I don't bother with notes until stuvac. Maybe I'll trial a pre-stuvac notes system this semester, but don't expect it to last longer than a week or two.