[quote name='bigdaddy']Once again, DON'T BUY BOOKS.
Can't say that enough.[/quote]
To build on that a bit, if you absolutely have to, buy them used. Better yet, buy an old edition. The new book business is a huge scam and you can normally find an edition from two years back for under 5 bucks on amazon/ebay.
-Don't be afraid to change your major. I learned the hard way and tried to stick it out in a department I hated. Ended up with a bunch of credits and bad grades that I have been digging my way out of.
-If tuition and scheduling is an issue, take classes at the local community college while you are at a university. This is my biggest regret, as CC is a fantastic transitioning tool. Freshmen get

ed for schedule priority and I had horrible time frames for classes. At a CC campus I can get everything lined up nicely.
-If you are pretty sure dorms aren't for you, or if you find out after a semester, try and move about 10-15 minutes from school. It will help with traffic, and is generally cheaper the further away you are. Not to mention you learn to pay bills and whatnot on your own.
-Take gen-ed stuff first. This goes with the major issue. Mix in a few specific things, but try and take mostly classes that will work regardless of where you go and what you study. Some advisers will screw you, and I remember taking comp 1 with a couple angry seniors.
-Try an online class or two. It's a good way to teach yourself how to get things done on your own. Also, it's a great way to squeeze in an extra few credits that may otherwise be impossible with work/class schedules.
-Find a job away from campus. Better pay, less having to deal with the jackasses you party with. Win win.
I'm sure there are so many more, but that's all I can think of without a huge rant on things. Oh!
www.ratemyprofessors.com is your friend. Take some of it with a grain of salt, but it will save you lots of trouble.