Finals week is just around the corner – which means it’s time to start prepping! Make sure you have all these items secured in your backpack before you head off to the library for a full night of studying.
- Noise Cancelling Headphones: headphones are a must, especially when we all know the best study spots on campus are going to be packed to the brim the next couple of weeks. My favorite pair of noise canceling headphones are the Beats Studio Pro, though they will run you close to $400. If you’re like most college students who are not in the market for $400 headphones, Sony has a few pairs from $60 – $80 and JBL also carries a pair for only $40. Trust me when I say this is going to be an investment you use not only for the rest of your time here at college, but for the rest of your life.
- Brain food: Food is fuel. If you are spending long hours studying away from your residence building or home, remember to pack some snacks. I like to pack a variety of food from fruits (blueberries and strawberries), veggies (mini carrots and cucumbers), and sweets (chocolate covered pretzels) to help get through my study sessions.
- Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is the key to eliminating brain fog and staying focused. Pack a reusable water bottle, my favorite at the moment is my Owala, and refill it at the many water fountains located around campus. It will also give you an excuse to stop your studying and take a little walk to a fountain – remember that movement is important too!
- Caffeine: I don’t normally recommend caffeine on a day to day basis, but desperate times call for desperate measures. However, instead of buying coffee and energy drinks that are packed with artificial sugars and sweeteners, try finding some herbal, naturally caffeinated tea at the grocery store. Or, if you really need your coffee, I recommend making it at home and keeping it black. This way you are getting in the much needed caffeine for finals week, without all the unnecessary additives.
- Comfy clothes: One word: layer. There is nothing more unbearable than when you’re trying to focus, but all you can think about is how uncomfortable you feel. The temperatures of all the buildings on campus range from the Arctic Tundra to the Sahara Desert. So, if you are planning on studying at school, you have to layer. Start with a basic tee-shirt and leggings (or shorts if you get very hot). Then, throw on a fuzzy hoodie (and possibly sweatpants, if you get very cold). This way you can adjust what you’re wearing to what building you’re in, thus never having to worry about feeling uncomfortable.
- Self-care kit: I love carrying around a small cosmetic bag filled with carry-on sized, self-care essentials. In my school bag, I have a mini deodorant, a travel-sized body spray, a lip gloss, a small hair brush, a pocket-sized pack of tissues, and some gum. I can’t tell you how many times my friends have asked to borrow my kit because you never know when a hygiene product will come in handy.
- Study guides: I cannot stress enough how important it is to have your study guides completed before final exam week. I try to finish my guides a week before reading day, so during reading day, all I have to do is study the content. Even if your professor makes a study guide, making your own allows you to individualize the course to focus on specific topics and sections you need the most help with. Writing out a physical copy also helps you retain the information better.
- Portable chargers: Don’t be caught with a dead phone or computer during your study sessions! Remember your chargers and bring some portable ones in case no outlets are available at your study spot.
I hope this list serves as a guide to make your nights studying a little less stressful. Good luck on finals Hawks!
