Passed the VCP-DCV 5.5 exam!  The whole study process took about 2 month of studying 1-6 hours a day.  I've maybe had 3-5 drinks in 2 months... 

Lots of caffeine, nootropics, water, soberness...I've became a pill popper in the last 1-2 months.  

5 hour energy -extra strength before exam to be extra alert.  Time
sources:
blueprint
Took the stanly.cc course...Great value for the price!
Used Scott Lowe's Mastering vSphere 5.5 book & CBT Nuggets.
Enrolled in the VMware VCA-DCV free online course and quizzes.
Used VMware workstation.
Built my own ESXI 5.5 server on a SSD HD - Lenovo TS140.  40 watts/hour, quiet and powerful.
Helpful things?   Having previous experience with VMware Workstation and ESXI experience.  Having hardware experience (A+).  Having Network+ or higher knowledge.  Having storage knowledge.  Do all of the labs.  If you don't understand it, do it over again.  VMware's new VCA-DCV will actually teach you a few things.  I recommend it to establish base knowledge.  Read the blueprint for the exam!