Welcome to NUSL
It really wasn't that long ago that I was in the same shoes as this year's 1Ls, but it sure seems like a week ago that I was at orientation, buying my books and course packs from Gnomon Copy, and generally excited/anxious/stressing out about starting law school. So, I figured I'd give a few words of of....wisdom? I suppose that this entry won't be as useful to the prospective students, but hopefully some NUSL 1Ls will read this and find it helpful.
1. Don't Stress Out Too Much
At a certain point, most 1Ls feel a certain degree of self doubt, questioning whether they made the right decision, and ask themselves whether they'll make it through the year. Remember -- thousands of people have done it before you, and thousands more will do it after you. Just take it slow, and as everyone was constantly reminding me, "Law school is a marathon, not a sprint."
2. ....But Do Your Work
From what I saw, the students that end up suffering the most are those that get behind in their work. Maybe I'm more neurotic than most (check that: I AM more neurotic than most), but stay on top of your assignments, and don't get behind on the readings. Law school can be somewhat deceptive, because oftentimes there is not that much reading in terms of the number of pages. However, even 15 pages of reading in say, Civil Procedure, can be a lot, because the material is so dense and unfamiliar. Do your reading for every class, even if you don't think you understand it, and you'll be better for it.
3. Utilize the Research Librarians
We live in a world where all of us use Google, iPhones, WestLaw, etc., and forget that oftentimes the best resource is actual people. It may seem old fashioned, but when you have a research assignment, do yourself a favor and talk to one of the Research Librarians. The problem with WestLaw, Lexis, Google, etc., is that there is too much information, and it sorting through it is a tremendous challenge. The Research Librarians, in addition to being incredibly helpful, are also the nicest people at the law school (sorry fellow students, profs, staff, and administrators).
3. Finally....TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
About half way through our 1L year, a lot of my classmates all of a sudden realized that they had stopped taking care of themselves, and attending to those things are are important to them outside of law school, like working out, seeing friends and family, and generally doing things for fun. All of us work hard, but it's important to also be easy on yourself, and take a break when you think you need one. Even an afternoon or day off will help recharge your battery, and you'll be in much better shape when you're up against a major deadline if you manage to have some gas left in your tank.
Good luck, and have fun! Now, I actually have to get to my work.