Learn how Git works -- using Sourcetree + Bitbucket effectively is absolutely essential to make sure multiple people can collaborate on code and that there's always a working copy that you can revert to in case things go wrong.

Get 3D prints started early -- the 3D printers in the PRL get busier as the deadline gets closer. Prioritize getting major 3D prints completed in the days following the assignment of the project.

Do your PRL safety training -- safety training is required to use 3D printers. Make sure to (ideally) have it done before the project is even assigned

Start small, add complexity later -- don't try and shoot for the moon at the beginning. Get your basic functionality implemented before adding reach features that may take a lot of time to work.

Iterate on your designs -- don't feel like your CAD needs to be perfect in the first go. It's ok to make an initial CAD (especially for your frame/body), figure out how well things fit in, and modify it before fabrication.

Take photos often -- they'll become super useful for making the report and to show to prospective employers in the future.

Assign your PIC pins early -- try to figure out as soon as possible if you'll need multiple PIC32s. If you do, try and see if you can get away with just one-way communication.

Design a dismountable chassis -- during integration we often need to check or rearrange the circuits, it will save us a lot of time if the chassis is easy to open.