It is common to see a student who has just been admitted to a uni say that he/she wants to bag a first class degree or get a 5/5. However, due to unforseen circumstances, the student might find him/herself struggling to to maintain a second class.

Therefore, what should such a student expect in terms of difficulties in getting a 1st class degree?

How would you advice a newly admitted undergraduate student who aspires to get a first class in uni?

Lastly, I once heard/read somewhere that it is one thing to study, another thing to understand and an entirely a different thing to recall what has been understood. How should a student study to get each of these toggether in the quest of getting a first class?

Mature and constructive contributions are highly welcome.