Guest post by Kiera Wright-Ruiz, Student at the University of Florida. Kiera is a senior journalism major and an intern for Orlando Apartments.

Everyone always rushes to campus to cram for finals. Ideally, it’s supposed to be a quiet place where you can easily retain information. In reality, though, it’s crowded, dirty and no amount of music can cover up that obnoxious girl next to you. Needless to say, it’s not always the greatest place to study.

Imagine this: You just woke up from a restful night of sleep in your warm, snuggly bed. After you leisurely get up and grab some coffee and breakfast, you get back in bed to start studying — still in your PJs. Sounds like heaven, right?

Well, maybe studying in bed isn’t the best idea ever, but here are some helpful tips to prepare for upcoming final without leaving the comfort of your home. You can thank us later.

1. Make a plan
Most students avoid studying at home because there are too many distractions. It’s understandable; you have a fridge full of food and the TV remote only inches away from your hand. But what most students don’t realize is that you can be just as productive if you were in a library as you are on the couch … it’s all about setting goals.

Make daily goals for you to study certain topics. And the next day, do the same. Small goals are achievable, which make you feel positive and motivated to keep pushing forward.

2. Turn off distractions
To efficiently study at home, you have to turn off anything that’ll distract you. Yes, that does mean your phone, laptop, iPad, etc. The more you make it seem like studying is the only thing you can do, the more you’ll study.

3. Take breaks
“I’m going to study 12 hours that day so I can be prepared!” How many times have you said that to yourself? OK, how many times have you said that to yourself and actually did it? That’s what I thought.

It’s wonderful to dedicate big time slots to studying, but everyone needs breaks. Not only is it not healthy to push yourself that hard, but it’s not realistic. Take five to 15-minute breaks when you need it. This will allow you to recharge your batteries and keep pushing through until you’ve earned your next break.

4. Brain food
"You are what you eat" isn’t just a saying. So many students munch out on unhealthy snacks while studying and completely neglect their diet. Eating bad food makes you tired more easily and will not fill you up, causing you to eat more sooner than later.

To avoid all that, try eating a balanced breakfast before you break out those textbooks. You’ll feel more awake and energized for the rest of the day if you start off on the right foot.

Need a snack while studying? Try munching on some carrots or frozen grapes. They’re very nutrition and a much better alternative than chips.

5. Listen to good tunes
Many studies have shown listening to music can help improve memory and, in some cases, improve intelligence. Playing soft music in the background may prove to be more than just nice background noise.

You need all the help you can get before finals, am I right?

6. RELAX
This is the most important tip of all. The night before a final, study what you can but don’t stress yourself out too much. There’s no point in worrying yourself to death minutes before you actually have to take an exam. Stressing too much can actually cause you to do worse on a test.

To reduce stress right before finals, try doing yoga, taking a walk or doing some light mediation. Oh, and a nap never hurt anyone either!

Happy studying!

Image courtesy of photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net