The "I'm Away From My Parents for the First Time So I'll Behave Like I Was Just Paroled From Prison" Syndrome

Some freshman find that their first time away from the 'rents can devolve pretty quickly into partying like you never had the freedom to in high school. A bad hangover is only the beginning of the trouble these kids find themselves in. Rule breaking is taken very seriously by college administrations, who, by admitting you to their school, have accepted responsibility for your well being. Just because your folks aren't around doesn't mean there aren't plenty of authority figures. The likely candidates: your RA, campus security, the real cops, etc. And most often, they aren't as forgiving as your mom and dad. They can't afford to be.

The "I Can Handle My Own Problems Without Anyone's Help" Syndrome, also known as the "Mom and Dad Don't Need to Hear About This" Syndrome

This is one of the worst mistakes you can make in your first year of college--and one that is likely to have the most lasting effects. If something is wrong (including having a tough time getting adjusted, trouble making friends, depression, difficulty with classes, homesickness, etc.) you should tell someone immediately, before things get too bad. Problems have a tendency to snowball in college, and with so many students to worry about, no one will know something is wrong unless you speak up. Your Academic Counselor and your dean are great people to talk to. They will admire you for coming forward, and they'd much rather know that you need help now than wait until next semester to put you on academic probation.

The "No One Will Notice if I Miss a Few Classes or Don't Do a Few Assignments" Syndrome

Blowing off classes and assignments because you can is a dangerous road to go down, and the consequences are more far-reaching than you'd imagine. Low freshman-year grades can kill your GPA for the next four years. This could mean that if, for example, you ever want to go to grad school, and you're in deep doo-doo. GPA is important; jobs, scholarships, grad school, your parents' cash flow, even your own self-esteem can all be affected by mistakes you make in the first few months, or even weeks, of college. Flunking out after freshman year is not uncommon. And many of those Fs start with just one missed assignment or skipped class. So don't fall behind this early in the game. The classes are only going to get harder. Freshman year is an excellent time to get good grades and the perfect time to establish good study habits. Do the reading! If you do the reading and show up for all your classes, you are virtually guaranteeing yourself top grades, even if you don't think of yourself as an academic star.

The "Who Is This Advisor Guy, Why Is He Trying to Tell Me What Classes to Take, and Why Should I Bother With Him?" Syndrome

Ideally, your advisor should serve as a guide through the bureaucratic red tape that goes along with academic life, and as an aide in helping you make smart choices in your college career. To do this, they need to know as much as they can about you. Be open and honest with them and make an effort to communicate with them often. Help your advisor help you!
Ditto with teachers: You can develop relationships with your teachers without being that annoying person who always has his hand raised for inane comments in class. University professors are brilliant folks, and you are missing out if you don't give them an opportunity to interact with you individually.

The "It's My Money and I'll Spend It on DVDs, Shoes, and Pizza Every Night If I Want To" Syndrome

One of the many wonders of college is the incredible number of temptations on which to spend your money. Sure it's your money, and you should be able to do whatever you want with it. But if you aren't careful, that semester budget of yours will disappear after the first month. Then, while your friends are ordering pizza and going to the movies, you'll find yourself choking down cafeteria food and staying in. And while we're on the subject of cafeterias, eating at the dining halls can be a great way to save money. There are usually plenty of options, many of which are underrated. (It's impossible to outgrow grilled cheese.) So avoid having Dominos on speed dial, and roughly stick to some sort of a budget. Come semester's end, you'll thank yourself.