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Seeing folks post about starting PhD programs in theology and other disciplines, so here's my best advice for what it's worth.
1. Don't get sucked in by the lie that you have to work 80 hours a week to be successful. You do not. If you pace yourself, your work will be better. No one wants to read a theory-word-salad by someone in the end stage of exhaustion. No one does all the reading.
2. Establish habits of collaboration, rather than competition, early. Honestly, I have had a number of professional opportunities come my way because folks know I'm friendly and easygoing. Success doesn't require sharp elbows.
3. It goes without saying that mentorship and apprenticeship is important. This involves training in virtue as well as knowledge, so choose mentors accordingly. Mentors don't have to be limited to your advisor. Who do you want to be like?
4. Things to bear in mind when selecting courses include comps, dissertation chapters, and future teaching. I took Aquinas because I wanted to be able to teach Aquinas, even though I am far from a Thomist. Choose seminar papers so that they can be parts of a chapter.
5. I found it really helpful to take classes from people across the theological and political spectrum. Some of my best class experiences were with conservative Catholics. But I also know that might not be great advice for everyone...YMMV.
6. Special and most important advice for theologians working confessionally/ecclesially: Find a church, go to church, pray every day, read Scripture not just for school. Stay in contact with the God you're writing about, and your work will become prayer.
7. Find friends outside your department. Get involved in the community outside the university.
8. Cultivate the habit of daily writing early in your program.
