Do your homework, go over lecture before hand - always helpful, and then 2-3 weeks before exams just go over everything again.
You can also make notes on lectures/tutes/textbook work, although I've never done this.
I had a medion desktop, lasted 4.5 yrs
My cousin had a medion laptop, lasted him 2.5 yrs (my compaq lasted about 12 months, sadly warranty was also 12 months).
So they're reliable but im sure you can find something better.
lol 11 year old screens haha
I've have 5 monitors lying around, only the Samsung screwed up, rest work (not that I use them anymore), oldest being 10 years.