Jamie- When I was in college, I used osmosis. Put your book and notes under your pillow and then go to sleep. The facts will magically absorb. Trust me, it works!
Ok, just kidding (well sortof). What I did for those class where it was only a handful of tests was to take my notes from the class and facts out of the book and organize them in to a quick and easy study guide for myself for later.
For example, take all of your class notes from chapter 1 and open to chapter 1 in your book. Now make new notes with all of the main points that you need to remember and jot down the page numbers that go in to detail about those points beside them, and also highlight or mark them in your lecture notes. (It's a little bit tedious, but it worked for me)
Above all else
Stay Organized! It will make your life a lot easier come exam time. Good luck on your freshman year
ZetaAce