Well, since it appears those are intro-level classes, it's most likely going to be pretty competitive. At least that's my experience. For example, my freshman year, I took Organic Chemistry I, Intro Bio, Physics I, Calc, and various other humanities and crap. I found that the math/science courses were extremely competitive. From your schedule it appears to me that Bio will occupy most of your time.
Some recommendations:
1.) Make a precise schedule-i.e. from the time you get up to the time you eat lunch, class, work, study, home chores, etc.
2.) With the intro courses I don't think you'll run into too many issues with timing. Pretty much everything is set as long as you study and go to class. However, in my experience, I found that in upper-level courses you constantly have to attend study group sessions, professor hours, and other various things that I never had to do in my beginning courses.
3.) Don't be intimidated. Keep your cool and stick to your agenda and goals.
4.) The student lifestyle can be extremely busy. As long as you stay organized and collective you'll be alright. I really don't have many conflictions with work and school, and I'm pushing two jobs, volunteering at the hosp, 17 credits at UofM, which is a pita by itself!
School equipment- I really don't know other than the usual highlighters, pencils, pens, lined paper, three-hole puncher, binders...etc.
Recorder-Your preference. In all honesty, you probably won't have enough time to go through all your classes on tape. Just take suffient notes and you should be straight. It really depends on what type of learner you are. But be warned, some professors don't allow tape recorders.
Well that's all I can think off...good luck!
