I don't understand the point of telling people to not bother in their first year. It really doesn't set up a good work ethic for second year when things actually count and first year is probably the best time to find out what study habit works for you.
My advice OP, work from the start.
- Don't leave everything until the exam season. Get your notes written up, sorted and organised as the year progresses so you don't get to March and realise you have to lecturecast a whole module or find half a module.missing somewhere in your room.
- When you get coursework, actually put some effort it because if you bomb your exams your coursework grades may very well keep you afloat.
- If you don't understand something, then go and get help from somebody so that you know what to do next time.
- Surround yourself with people who actually care about what they are doing. I'm not saying shun anybody who is just there to piss around, but you do pick up the study habits of others at times, especially is you study with them. Chances are you won't see most of the people you meet at uni again and probably won't be friends with most of your 'first' year friends by second year. Don't give up good chances for bad influences.
- Don't use study drugs.
- Get to know your personal tutor.
- Stay healthy and develop healthy habits. A healthy body is a healthy mind etc. which brings me onto my next point.
- Keep an eye on your mental health.