That is a great question. However, before I answer, we should clarify semantics.
Why should you listen to me? Because you're an Engineering student (presumably a Freshman) and since you're here, you're looking for advice to cope with this challenge in front of you. I propose a counter-question to you... "Why not?"
Why should you listen to me? Fair question. After all, I am just another person on the internet supposedly claiming to have all the answers. I'll let you in on a secret: I don't. Now that that's out of the way, I do know what I am talking about because I have been through it and made my mistakes. My freshman year was not great (I am talking 2.97 at the end of my first year), but during my sophomore year, I got term GPAs of 3.75 and 3.91. That drastic turnaround is because I realized some key aspects that I am willing to share... for free. I am also an international student peer mentor and have been a teaching assistant for two years now so I also have experience sharing advice.
To top it off, “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Nor can you repeat the past to correct the mistakes you could have avoided.