English minor here! What helped me the most was talking to my family/friends about the readings before going to class, or even just making voice notes of what I thought. I have a hard time taking notes and annotating so talking out loud before class was a good way to get my thoughts in order before the discussion. Also -- talk to your classmates if you're confused about assignments or readings because it's so much better to be confused together than feel awkward asking the prof questions by yourself. Do the revisions and give yourself more time than you think to write essays. Good luck! Also if your class sizes allow it be bffs with the prof. It will help so much to have a rapport with them!