How should I start my B.Tech first year studies of mechanical engineering in IIT Kanpur?

At IIT Kanpur, first-year courses are common in all departments. These are necessary courses and everyone has to complete them before graduation. You are also required to study an HSS or Humanities and Social Sciences course. 5 such courses have to be completed during your B.Tech.

• Make sure you maintain a decent CPI of around 8+ throughout the first year.
• Make sure your foundation concepts are strong as only then will you be able to cope with the more difficult ones in further semesters. 
• Keep your basics strong, especially in courses like MTH101 and MTH102

Don’t overdo it just focus on lectures and tutorials. Apart from this involve yourself in extracurriculars and socialize with everyone in general.