1. Go to orientation. If you're just starting out at college, get to the first orientation session you can. Not only does the school give you key information about where things are on campus, you get to pick courses which, come Labor Day, will be "wait-listed." And while you're at orientation, it wouldn't be a bad idea to check out the dorm and eating facilities, so you'll know what you're up against.

2. Surf the school's website. You can find out a tremendous amount about the school—without leaving your lounge chair—by checking out the college "portal" (or website). Be sure to brush up on the college requirements and available majors; and, if you're lucky, you can find individual course pages (look for them on the departmental pages) so you can take a peek at what'll be going on in your individual courses.

3. Friend your roommate. Initiate contact by E-mail, Facebook, or Skype. You might find your roommate and you share lots of interests and, in any case, you can set dorm "ground rules" about visitors, quiet/noise, and lights out.

4. Get some furnishings. Nice lamps, bedding, and interior decor items can make a major difference in your quality of life, especially if you get stuck in a dorm that hasn't been renovated since the '70s. Major retailers have significant back-to-college specials, so be sure to check them out.

5. Improve your mind. Pick a book you've been meaning to read and read it. Before you hit the pack of required readings, it's nice to reconnect with the love of learning for its own sake.