The end of the year is fast approaching, prompting holiday spirit in nearly all of us. What many tend to overlook, whether by accident or on purpose, is that the end of the year also means that the “finals crunch” is in full swing.

Many college students prefer to study as little as possible in the wee hours of the morning following a big holiday bash, cross their fingers and hope for the best. These students are usually the ones whorarely make use of the resources on campus, and tend to blame their own shortcomings on society (“I would have done better, but my teacher hates me”).

Meanwhile, the rest of the student body (often referred to as “overachievers”) is sitting in the library, Tutorial Center and Open Media Lab, quietly studying.

It’s extremely difficult to be the only one studying in the library on a Thursday night while everyone else waits until the night before to cram until dawn. However, it’s important to remember to make use of the resources De Anza has to offer.

Tutorial Center

The Tutorial Center offers free tutoring for individuals and groups, as well as drop-in tutoring, which is generally ideal for many college students with full academic, social and work schedules. Drop-in tutoring is available during posted hours that may change from quarter to quarter, and is limited to 30 minutes per session.

For more information, such as hours of service, call 408-864-8682.

Counseling and Advising Center

Located in the Administration Building, the center provides services for students who need help with educational and career planning, as well as personal issues.

The center is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. To make an appointment, call 408-864-5400.

Library

De Anza boasts one of the largest community college libraries in Northern California, the A. Robert DeHart Learning Center. The library offers more than just books. Its lower level is devoted to materials, such as college reference guides, anthologies, and special interest journals. Many of the magazine and newspaper articles referenced in the computer indices can be printed immediately or e-mailed.

The library also offers workshops to teach students and staff Internet search skills.

The Learning Center is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The center is closed Sunday and holidays.

For more information about the library, Open Media Lab or Internet Lab, call 408-864-8761.

Open Media Lab

The Open Media Lab, located in the basement of Learning Center West behind the library, houses 90 computer workstations.

The lab also has video and audio tapes, many of which are associated with the Distance Learning Program. Listening and viewing stations are also available in the lab.

In this lab, students can access the Internet and check e-mail, use various word processing, spreadsheet and other software programs. Assistance is available.

The Open Media Lab is open during the same hours as the library.

Internet Lab

The library also hosts an Internet Lab on the second floor, which can be used to surf the Web for research and check email.

As in the Open Media Lab, students can use the various word processing, spreadsheet and other software. Assistance is also available.

The Internet Lab is open Monday, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., 1 p.m.-5 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., 1 p.m.-5 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; and Friday 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m.

Just remember, time procrastination often occurs due to visual distractions, like TV or a night out at the movies. It’s not a good idea to forego a good night’s sleep the eve of that big Meteorology final.