1. Planner

A planner is one of the necessary items for a finals week survival kit not only to keep track of when your finals are, but also when you are going to study. If you plan a certain amount of time for each subject, each day, you will be able to get through finals without the stress of cram-style studying. Checking off completed tasks can also provide a much-needed boost of motivation during a long week.

2. Phone

Not that any college student would be caught dead without a phone, but it is nice to have one with you during finals week. You can set alarms to keep track of how long you have been studying or use apps like Forest to stay off social media. It is also vital for calling your friends to set up a last-minute study session or just to vent when things get tough. Just remember to use it as a tool, not a distraction!

3. Computer

Most campuses use online platforms for classes to communicate, making a reliable computer a vital item for a finals week survival kit. You can use it to type up notes or search for information you don’t know. To stay productive, try using apps like Self Control to block distracting websites like Facebook so you can stay focused on your work. It's also worth checking out our guide on how to color code notes to make your digital study guides even more effective.

4. Apple

You might be reaching for a cup of coffee to keep you up during those late-night study sessions, but you may not know that an apple is a fantastic energy booster. It provides natural sugars and fiber that give you a steady release of energy without the jitters associated with too much caffeine. It’s a great healthy alternative to drinking tons of coffee during finals week, and it keeps you feeling full longer.

5. Water Bottle

While we’re on the subject of being healthy during finals week, you have to remember to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and lack of focus, which is the last thing you need. Keep a reusable water bottle as part of your finals week survival kit and you won't have to worry about staying healthy and hydrated while you hit the books.

6. Highlighters

When studying, one of the easiest things to do is color code your notes with highlighters. It is a great way to keep you more organized and helps your brain process information faster. Try this simple color-coding system:

7. Notebook

When I study, one of my go-to methods is to rewrite my notes in my notebook and create my own study guide. Something about writing my notes down over and over again just helps me to remember things more easily. Keep an empty notebook with you at all times during finals to refresh your memory and jot down quick thoughts or formulas you need to memorize. Check out our tips on using flash cards for more memorization hacks.

8. Flash Cards

If you need to memorize definitions or formulas, flash cards are your new best friends. They offer a great way to test yourself on what you know and to keep track of what you need to study more. You can even go the extra step and color code your flash cards for even more organization. If you prefer digital options, Quizlet is a fantastic resource for creating and sharing study sets.

9. Leggings

When you are studying, the last thing you want to worry about is what you are wearing. Comfort is key when you're spending ten hours in the library. Leggings are a go-to staple item for a finals week survival kit. They allow for easy movement and maximum comfort during long sessions. Just pair them with a cozy oversized sweater for the ultimate study outfit.

10. A Comfy Place to Sleep

It may seem normal to pull all-nighters during finals week to study as much as possible, but skipping sleep will only hurt you in the end. Your brain needs rest to consolidate the information you've learned. Try for 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night to ensure you are well-rested. If you are running on no sleep for the entire week, you will be a walking zombie and won't perform well on your exams. Prioritize your sleep hygiene just as much as your study schedule.

Will you be using these items for a finals week survival kit? What items are in your finals week survival kit? What are some of your tricks for surviving finals week? Preparing your essentials now will make the upcoming week much smoother!