Help, I am taking a course and I want to practice so I don´t fall behind

In my college you have to take a sports course, so I chose chess. I think I underestimated how intense the course was going to be even tho there was no prerequisites. I feel like I am completely lost when it comes to apply what they just explained. I feel very upset since I feel behind and I know that the exercises aren´t that hard (ex. moving pieces just as an exercise with barely any pieces on the board). I don´t know how to practice alone in a way I can improve and not just feel completely lost because I barely understand what I am doing. 
Any advice on how to practice on my own as a beginner? I already know the basics I feel that I lack planning ahead or "seeing" what is a good or bad move.

What college do you attend . . .

ONLY COST $10 and the book plays itself . . .

Great for beginners . . .

Learn and apply the most important principles of chess. - (core of my teaching)
Always blunder-check your moves.
Solve tactics in the right way.
Analyze your games.
Study games of strong players.
Learn how to be more psychologically resilient.
Work on your time management skills.
Get a coach if you can.