1) Eat well - this is paramount 2) Sleep well - again paramount 3) Attend class - unless you are extremely adept at absorbing information very very quickly. You must go to class at least and find a work pattern that suits you! 4) Pick 2-3 things and focus on them over the 3 years

My own example is I had 12 hour a week lessons, worked in the media from 7am-12pm (all my classes were after mid day) and then i'd go to class do a couple hours in the library then evenings free to date, play sports or pick up other hobbies like attending conferences, lectures or just going out.

Good resources to read are 1) Study Hacks by CalNewport 2) Racing towards Excellence by Jan Sramek 3) Anything by Stevepavlina.com

Hope that helps.