Not the same situation, but I kinda had a learning curve when going into college my freshman year. In highschool I basically got by playing sports (which more or less got me into college), taking relatively easy classes, and schmoozing with the teachers. I always kinda thought I was smart, but would never do hw or anything cause I figured sports would get me to college anyway, and I had been committed since beginning of junior year. I graduated high school with a 3.25 ish gpa. Upon entering college I really buckled down, realized sports wouldn't get me much further. I felt kinda behind in most of my classes (kids who took ap bio and chem and what not had an advantage) and I kinda had to teach myself how to study and get good grades.
But basically, u just gotta find what works for you. First and foremost, are you a morning person or a night time person? Im a bigtime night person, so I would grab some caffeine pills and crank out work at night, its great for me cause most people aren't awake and there are much less distractions. But also, find a place that is quiet where you can always go, find BIG tables so you can spread all your stuff out, turn your phone off or tape it to the ceiling, keep ur computer away unless you need it, and burry urself in ur books or notes.
If you don't know already, figure out what kind of studier you are and what helps you most. Some people like working in groups where they can get help and help explain things to others. Some people like writing on big white boards where they can see it and kinda get put on the spot. Others, like me, prefer to work alone. I feel like I get distracted when with other people cause theyre asking me questions and less work gets done in general. I definitely try to learn what I was taught in class as soon as possible, when it is fresh, and I mean really learn it. It is much easier to review something u already know the night before the test, than learn it for the first time. SO basically, I learn things right after class (that night), and then starting a few days before the test I re copy my notes and fully explain processes or difficult, in depth things outloud or write them down, and im good to go for the test day.
But most importantly, you need to be devoted. Like most kids on here will tell you, for the most part, no one knows what they are learning about before they are taught it. They put the time in to learn it and understand it, its not easy, but if you work hard it gets easier. For me, each year, each class, has been easier to get a good grade in than the previous one. Take no nights off (except weekends), and get seriously dedicated to doing well, and youll be fine
