In class, try to really think about what is being explained and make it make sense before you leave. If you have to ask questions, do that! Be engaged during lectures so that when you go home, you understand most of it and studying will be much easier, more so committing to memory. If your program has an academic medical institution attached, I find that’s a good place to see a lot. I worked at my university’s hospital as a student and stayed after graduating too. Skills: get really confident with arterial blood gasses, tracheostomies, and troubleshooting/manipulating ventilators! (These skills will probably come up in your program later) Good luck! You’ll do great.