Finals are coming up next week for De Anza College students; this means it’s time to open up those textbooks that have gathered dust over the quarter and study. 

It differs from student to student, but study tips are meant for everyone.

The first and ancient tip is: Do not cram, especially the night before the test. Cramming only puts more stress on your brain, and an important piece of information may be left out. 

Tip 2: For most people, studying at night works best, but some benefit from studying in the morning. If nighttime works best for you, then stick with it. However, Crystal Pace, a registered nurse at De Anza’s Health Center, advises not to study late into the night. 

Late night studying affects sleep habits and Pace says it’s important to get the recommended eight hours of sleep, especially the night before exams. Sleep time is also your brain’s time to process and store the information you studied, so sleep as soon as you close the books. 

Tip 3: Pace also recommends a well-rounded diet and a low intake of caffeine. 

That means all those cups of coffee have got to go. And because late night studying is a no-no, you won’t need the kick of caffeine anyway. 

Tip  4: Testtakingtips.com says to avoid any place that is distracting. Put away iPhones and iPods and also try to avoid your room, if possible, where there is a bed beckoning you for a “quick” nap. 

Tip 5: Take breaks, whether it’s a five minute break, or studying little by little. Breaks are good for your eyes and your brain. Take a moment to stretch your legs and refresh yourself before you glue your eyes to the books again.

Tip 6: Review your notes. If you get stuck in a certain part of your notes, go back to that section of the textbook. 

Tip 7: Another ancient tip that teachers have been telling you over the years is to take practice tests. Nobody will force you, but if you need extra help, take them. They don’t always reflect the actual tests, but topics are usually the same. 

Tip 8: Last but not least, make sure you understand the material.  If you need help, Ask.

 Professors probably can’t stress this point enough. Professors have office hours and there is also the Student Success Center at De Anza. All these people are there to help you.  You pay for it anyways so it’s better to take advantage.