I think no matter how much preparation you do there will always be something that you didn't see coming that will happen for that I'll say to find a way to stay motivated through the whole year, you'll really need it the day you don't have any motivation to keep going

Heavily second the alarm clock... I had to get one of those old school ones because I sleep like the dead LOL.

I'd say don't worry about preparing physical stuff too much, you'll figure out what you need as you go, but definitely make sure to go to all your welcome week events and prepare yourself to talk to lots of people! Prepare to meet all kinds of people, and prepare to not necessarily find your 'forever friends' immediately. Prepare to be more independent in general too, maybe look up recipes if you're not already the chef type. You got this tho, it's the time to discover who you are and truly experience new things!! :D

ooh ok uh if ur moving its probs a good idea to spend some time early on walking around to get a lay of the land so u kno ur way around. If ur moving into a flat w flatmates make sure to set clear ground rules - stuff like making sure dishes are done, who takes out the rubbish when, rules about noise level, bringing people over etc. so ur all on the same page, to avoid clashes later down the line. Make sure to always have some sort of emergency money - a fund and try to always have some on u, in case of, well, emergencies - eg. ur phone's dead and u need to pay bus fare to go somewhere quickly, smth like that. Also, don't be afraid to talk to people and go to events - You never know where you'll find ur friends! but remember always trust ur gut! if ever u feel unsafe or uncomfortable just straight up leave u have so much free will at uni its kinda intoxicating lol one of my favourite things abt it! off the top of my head ig make sure tuition and rent is paid on time, keep track of key deadlines - i like to use a planner but whatever works for u, can't think of much else rn. But best of luck w ur first yr, ur gonna have so much fun!

JUST REMEMBERED SOME MORE STUFF THATS VERY IMPORTANT: keep a first aid kit and keep it well stocked. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just ur usual bandages, disinfecting wipes, thermometer and ur usual over the counter meds (eg. basic painkillers, antinausea etc.). Good to have in emergencies. If it's possible take a first aid course - also very useful. My course (med) taught us some basic first aid, but I figure most places will offer voluntary ones. On that note, familiarise urself with where the nearest defibrillator is to where ur gonna live and on ur campus. Again, good to know in an emergency. Also, make sure ur vaccines are up to date. Diseases spread real fast in uni - Here in the UK we had a pretty awful meningitis breakout recently and meningitis is absolutely miserable, as is tetanus. On the tetanus note, if u end up w a potentially tetanus infectable injury (wound, due to metal (typically puncture) or in contact w mud etc u have up to 48 hrs after the injury to get a tetanus booster shot - so like go do that. In general go to the emergency room when injured. Very unlikely, and I apologise if this worries you, but its these sorta things ppl often forget, especially our age it's easy to forget how serious illnesses and injuries can be. Again sorry for being kinda grim TwT

I’m not the best at planning and I procrastinate a LOT. But one piece of advice that I can give (just finished my first year) is getting a white board (the one u write on with erasable markers) and writing down everything that is due that week (I separated it by class but you can do it by due date). This helped me visually see it everyday and also helped me not forget bc college can be a lot sometimes. I can’t tell you how many times I almost forgot an assignment and then my white board saved me. Another thing to keep in mind is to take time for yourself and have fun. College isn’t just studies but socialization and figuring yourself out. <3

honestly don't overplan! that was my mistake my first year. there's going to be changes that planning will not account for; my best tip is respond to your needs and do what works for you.
for example even though i would wake up at 6:30a for high school, i'm not a morning person now, so i do my best to plan my day to start later or if i need to have an early class, plan so i get enough sleep. i can't really say "don't do eight am classes" or anything definitive like that bc i do know people where that works for them. just be yourself, meet new people, and pay attention to what works for you most of all!