Hey its also my first year in school so I know what you mean. All these comments I found very useful but I get what your instructors mean. One very good tip that our instructors gave us is study in groups. If you find people that are similar to you in studying try to work with them. I'm not much of group learner but it really helps. You can teach each other, swap ideas and questions. Its a good way to APPLY what you are reading. Hope this helps. Don't overstress though I know its impossible not to. Good luck