I have to say that going to class, as simple as that sounds, is one of the best ways to do well in your courses. Whether a professor deducts points based on attendance or not, I have rarely been tested on material that was not covered during class sessions and it's a small way of showing the professor that you actually care about their course.

One more thing, go to the sports games! They are free for all students, a ton of fun, and a great way to give yourself a mental break and have some fun with your friends.

The first thing that comes to my mind is to always carry an umbrella with you when you're walking around campus. The weather in Nashville is very unpredictable, and it rains a lot in the spring. Also, try all the dining locations on campus at least once--you never know what might turn out to be your favorite. Finally, if you're going to take a lab science, I would suggest not taking it your first semester freshman year. That way, when you take it you can sign up for the same section as one of your friends.

Make friend with someone with a car and try to explore Nashville, which you will discover offers much more than country music and BBQ. The Tennessean's (Nashville's newspaper) Living section keeps a daily list of bands playing around town.

The single best thing you can do to enhance your quality of life inside the dorms is to bring earplugs.

A sleep mask might also be helpful if you have a roommate who keeps a light on after you've gone to bed, but I've never shared a room before so I can't say for sure how important that is.

Oh - I forgot. The sidewalks at Vandy are made of weird stones, and for some reason they pretty much destroy any kind of stiletto or kitten heel. Unless you want to be paying to have your shoes re-heeled all the time, I'd suggest saving those for special occaisions and sticking to bigger heels or flats.

As far as food - expand your options! I hated Rand until this year because I never mixed it up, but it turns out that you can get an entree from one place, and some sides from somewhere else. Also, if you're not very hungry but might get the munchies later, you can get 4 sides. One little thing of pasta piled high is pretty much like a whole meal. Also, places like Quiznos and grins will customize your sandwiches and wraps, so even when there's nothing on the menu you want, you can pretty much create your own. Also, don't forget to shake it up, because if you find something you like and eat it every day, you'll end up really hating it.

Look at fliers - for some reason Vandy doesn't send out emails as much as they should, and so there might a cool speaker or presentation that you won't find out about unless you see the flier.

Make friends in your classes so if you miss a day you can get the info. Also, always carry a blue book to a test - you never know if you zoned out and are going to need one.

Best piece of advice - TALK TO YOUR PROFESSORS AND GET TO KNOW THEM. I know it's scary at first, and everyone says this, but it's so true. Professors that know you are less likely to give you a bad grade, and it's good to build relationships. Trust me, IT WORKS.

It poured for half of my freshman year. The rain has let up a bit, but it is still smart to invest in rain boots, rain jacket, umbrellas - really, anything rain-appropriate you can think of. 

I think it is key to note that there is now a starbucks on campus that takes your Commodore Cash.  Also, that storing stuff under your bed is extremely helpful in conserving space!