1st year Optom help

Hi, I'm a first year optom student and im struggling because I don't know how to succeed. In terms of lectures and practical skills, there's alot i need to improve on. If there are any 2nd or 3rd year optometry students that can share tips on how to get better at practical skills and revision and perhaps how to make notes etc, litterally any help, itd be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much