Pictured above: This young student obviously did not follow the Nexus’ advice. Read our tips to ensure this look of defeat does not cross your face. Lorenzo Basilio / Daily Nexus

  1. Change up your study location when studying different concepts for better recall. For example, do math at the UCen, history in the library and English submerged in the lagoon.
  2. Don’t study where you sleep unless you’re studying for SOC 152A.
  3. Make flashcards during class to remember concepts and not just vocabulary. Review them loudly in class the next day to help your peers succeed as well.
  4. Don’t be too comfortable while you study — set the temperature to a cool 10 degrees to stay alert.
  5. Listen to music without lyrics to stay concentrated. Gregorian monk chants are a good option.
  6. Try different sources of caffeine in addition to coffee, like a cup of tea or two gallons of chocolate ice cream.
  7. Chew the same flavor of gum when studying and taking the test for a class. For best results, chew the same piece of gum for at least eight days.
  8. Bring study material into your shower. Or a good friend.
  9. Use the 20-20-20 eye rule: After every 20 minutes, pause for 20 seconds and look toward an area 20 feet away. If a 20-second break is not enough, feel free to stare aimlessly for hours.
  10. Teach your study material to someone to fill gaps in your knowledge. Unless you have no knowledge; then teach them whatever comes to mind.
  11. Watch YouTube videos about your subject to reinforce your understanding of material. Then, watch several unrelated videos to prevent overexertion.
  12. Drink lots of water, don’t go hungry, limit shots to four an hour.

A version of this story appeared on page 5 of the Thursday, September 24, 2015 print edition of the Daily Nexus.

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