Hey i went to Japan for an exchange so my advice probably isnt as useful for you however i found writing a diary entry 3 times a week (just about what you did that day, your best friend etc etc) and getting the teacher to fix it was REALLY useful and also practicing ur Kanji regularly helps. I suggest getting a notebook and maybe start slowly with 5 kanji per week, everyday write them down and memorise readings/meanings. You can gradually increase the number you are learning then continue to learn some that aren't necessarily prescribed but are characters for commonly used words (adds sophistication =)..)
Hope that helps if you need any more help just let me know!! Good Luck