1. Don't party/drink too much or too hard.

2. Keep track of everything being learnt in class. You won't be good at all subjects, but with enough effort you can pass and even do well in courses you didn't like.

3. Have a good network of friends in all of your classes. This can be incredibly useful if working on tough assignments, practicing on past exams etc.. Most professors are lazy and don't bother changing exam questions every year so you will probably end up with the very similar exams as previous years, so make sure you do them!

4. History is not a very employable degree. And at least in Canada, teaching is not easy to get into. You are better off going into Science, Business, Economics etc.  I only know one History gradb and he's struggled to find a job for the past year. All he's found is a 3 month position at a museum on the other side of the country! Again, Canada might be a very different job market than the US, but make sure you research employment opportunities well. Try to get any work related to your field like internships before graduating. s

Don't waste your time on the humanities

Go to all classes if possible. This will save you a lot of work during the semester.
Take notes on paper. If you don't need a laptop in class, leave it in your dorm or in your bag. You have to be much more selective when taking notes on paper and this contributes to paying more attention during lectures.
If you have a smartphone, turn it off in class or leave it on silent in your bag. Smartphones can be a huge distraction in class. Even if the lecture seems boring, resist the urge to be doing something else.
If you can't follow a class for any reason, be sure to get someone's notes. I label my notes by which class it is (class 1, 2, 3 and so one) so I can see where I missed out on a class.
Join your local club. Don't know how it's organized in US colleges, but we have several student societies for every faculty depending on what you study (for study reasons, I'm in the Japanese student society even though I study moral sciences). They can be a serious help in studying as well as making friends and connections.
Enjoy student life. it's ok to have a good experiance at your university. On the other hand, a fair warning from someone who has studied 4 years already: be careful with how much parties you visit and how much alcohol you consume. Having a good time a few times too many can absolutely wreck your student career (not talking out of my own experience, but I've seen it happen a few times too often).
Find a studying spot. If self-discipline doesn't come naturally, find a spot (like a library) where you can study diligently. It's better to study hard on your own for 2 hours then to stare at your books and check facebook for hours on end. I study at a local monastery myself when the exams come. If you don't need it, again, leave your laptop behind (and print out what you can or need).
Try to be friendly to university staff and professors. Being known as a nice student (don't be try hard though) will make them more inclined to help you if necessary.

And most importantly, have fun and succes with your studies!

You're still better off studying what you like then studying what is employable. I wouldn't advise someone to study general economics for employment. There is already an overabundance of Economics students compared to what is demanded by the job market.

Study hard, go beyond class standards. Market is a bitch, only the bests have good jobs, the soon you undrestand this the better.
Also, make friends, lots of friends.

Avoid humanities...

Just make sure to go to classes, if you dont understand ask for help as soon as possible. These are simple advice but probably the best ones. One thing that help me a lot was to rewrite my notes when I got home.. that really works.

And for the love of god, dont forget to have fun. College is not only to learn, you make contacs, friends for life and possibly love interests as well.

I miss it at times..

Nothing more than that in that level of education you are responsible for your own learning. and have fun, and try to get the degree :P
Don't be like me and party and land the job anyway.. cause that's an exception. and prob. would never fly in the US (assuming US)

Just a question what grade level did she teach? I plan on doing high school myself, also I understand I'll have to deal with liberal extremists with that career path sadly :( 

Fuck as many girls as you can