I haven't started yet but one of the things that my developmental psych professor told us to do when we had to study was don't just read, but take notes on the book! I'm a little OCD so anything I need to know, I have to write it down, some people see it as a waste and even when I had powerpoints I still rewrote the information in my notes, organizing it in a way that made the most sense to me! Sometimes its hard to study when you outline things differently from the book, also rewriting the information helped me study it more because I was saying the sentences over and over again in my head. Somethings that made me say "huh?" in the book I'd keep saying over and over, rewrite it and then say "OHH that's what it means" it works for me and it is just so much more organized. I don't want to have powerpoints + notes + textbook when I have to study, I'd rather have it all in one place together.
Everyone has their own method of studying, whether it be flashcards, talking outloud, notes, recording lectures, summary sheets ect. Don't just use other people's methods, find your own! My friends found it pretty silly when I highlighted key things in A&P with a red pen and I gave everything it's own heading, but when I needed to look for something specific to study, I didn't have to flip back and forth looking for little words, they jumped out at me.
I also agree with not buying into the drama, rumors ect. You might think it doesn't effect you but after awhile it does begin to make you question yourself. A lot of people thought my physiology professor was awful and that wasn't the case. She was difficult but I actually enjoyed her class, she was a great professor and I admit it was hard keeping up with her and her exams were just difficult, it was the hardest earned B I ever got and I still think she was a great professor. You're going to hear a lot aout such and such professor and such and such class but its best you go in with an open mind to give it and the professor a chance. There were some posts on this forum that at times made me question going into nursing all together but I'd stop myself, close the window and say "you know this all may be true but I'd rather experience it myself then take others words for it" it's kind of like the old saying that you have to "learn the hard way", I think it applies in nursing.