Only use pencils for exams or things to be turned in. Use pens to take notes. By the end of the term, the notes in the front of your notebook will have begun to smudge if they are written in pencil.

For locking up small items, I have seen a metal lock box about the size of two paperbacks that has a steel wire like the laptop locks that locks with a key.

If you can use a calculator in a class, seriously consider getting one specifically for the subject. While a scientific calculator can perform the calculations for financial classes, it can't keep up on speed <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. A relatively inexpensive financial calculator can do by hitting a few buttons what the scientific does only by entering the values in the proper places as you enter the formula. This can mean the difference between a C & a B or better.

Some professors will allow open book or open notes on tests. Others will restrict you to 1 page, an index card, or no extra notes. If you have one that allows only limited notes, print them in the smallest font you can comfortably read. I would recommend a font such as arial or tahoma for this.

If your alarm clock will allow you to, always set two alarms. One 15 or 30 minutes before the other. Keep the alarms set for the same time seven days a week, even if you don't have to get up. This will get you used to waking up at the same time. If the power is out, you have a better chance of waking up in time for class anyway.