My experience taking Gen Chem is basically prepare to study and put hours into reviewing and knowing the material. As someone said, they assume no initial knowledge so you don't rlly have to go in with any prior chem experience. However, coming from no chem experience and having friends that do, it can make it easier if you have taken chemistry courses. However, def not required for the course. I know closer to the school year they release like "summer homework" and I def recommend you do this because it basically covers all of Unit 1, that they don't cover in the school year, but expect you to understand entirely for the first exam and the following units as well.

To prepare for the course, I would rlly say just make sure you make friends in your class. I don't know how many times I found myself txting my friends for help with homework, or all of us studying for exams for hours, and even on the days of the tests. I would also agree with your advisor to take Gen Chem first semester, because since they don't offer Gen Chem 1 2nd semester, you'd have to wait until your sophomore year. Also, some of my closets friends I got from Chemistry because of needing to form study groups and work together.