官話/Mandarin Chinese general thread

I noticed there is no general thread for Mandarin Chinese apart from some threads that never hit more than 5 posts and which weren't worth bumping at all, since they don't contain any discussion on Chinese.

I'm going to start studying Mandarin next year, I'd like to start preparing during summer break so I'll have it easier during the academic year - what should I do, and can you recommend me beginner material for native English/Dutch speakers?

>>6
Shit nigger you sound kewl. I'll email you.