I'm a 21-y-old junior and was diagnosed with BP in Fall 2013. The diagnosis happened right when I returned to college after a semester's break (my sleep problems had escalated to the point of requiring hospitalization). Therapy never helped me, although some people find it useful, and I don't do it anymore.

Here are some suggestions to add to what the others have said:

1. If you can afford it, consider taking a semester or two off from college after this semester ends. This time can be invaluable in helping you regroup, practise self-care strategies, and find a working treatment plan. Bipolar disorder is serious. It's better to stabilize yourself before you enter the heat of a semester than to burn out and have to drop out of college.
2. Are you on medication? This has been critical to my stabilization.
3. Healthy eating is almost as important as medication for me, if not more so. I take 2000-3000mg of high-quality omega-3 fatty acids daily (this can take up to two months to have an effect), and have cut down on simple sugars, refined grains, alcohol, greasy food, and desserts.
4. What is your sleep like? Good quality sleep is so important for BP. If you're having broken or poor quality sleep, your psychiatrist might offer you a sleep aide. I was weaned off benzodiazepines recently, and now use a melatonin-based over the counter aide that works wonderfully. 8 hours of sleep every night. Yay.
5. See what kind of services and accommodations your school's Disability Services office is able to provide. For example, I get distraction-free testing rooms and extended time on exams. Since my medication causes drowsiness, I am also able to get morning exams rescheduled to afternoons and evenings. You'll likely need a note from a psychiatrist, alongside results from a neuropsychological evaluation, to have access to some of these services.
6. Do you suffer from anxiety? I use lavender essential oil to scent my bedding, wardrobes, etc. in my dorm room. This helps me relax and think clearly, as well as sleep better (because lavender is an anxiolytic). Chamomile tea is also great. I drink some whenever I feel anxious during the day, or to help me wind down at nighttime.

These are just some suggestions. Feel free to PM me anytime, and I'd be happy to talk about things in more detail, recommend books, etc. I totally empathize with you, because I've gone through the same situation myself. Good luck!

- Allie