Finals are approaching! As the semester draws to an end, it's more important than ever that you're prepared for the journey before you. Prepare your hiking backpack and get ready to strengthen those lumbar muscles. These are the things every student should have in their backpack during final exams:

1. Highlighters - $3.99, Amazon.com

After weeks of lecture, you have tons of notes to sift through. Now is the time to mark up the important stuff. Filtering is key. More importantly, highlighting will at least make it look like you have your life together. You might even find these bright colors to be the only light in your dark world.

2.Snacks - $11.99, Graze.com

Did you think those pockets on your backpack were for your phone or maybe more highlighters? Wrong. They're for snacks. You'll need brain food to fuel your studying, so be sure you come prepared. Food needs to be "in an unopened package" to bring it into the library...but who says you can't seal your spaghetti in a Zip-Loc baggie?

3. Tissues - $5.71, Amazon.com

Don't let your tears get your notes soggy! Kleenex tissues come in lovely travel sizes so you can blot your tears in peace in your favorite corner of the library as you contemplate the various job opportunities for a driven young person with half of a degree.

4. Keurig Mini - $79.99, Keurig.com

I know what you're thinking: Red's not your color. Good news is the Keurig Mini brewer comes in nearly ever color imaginable so you don't have to cramp your style to be prepared for finals. Take this little guy with you everywhere you go, and you won't waste valuable study time waiting in line for coffee!

Don't leave home without your My Therapy Buddy! This plush doll doesn't care that your GPA is doomed. His soft exterior will soak up your tears and cuddle your broken dreams. He's here to hug it out with you and reassure you that "everything is going to be alright."

6. Apology greeting card - $2.82, Amazon.com

During study breaks, take the time to write an apology letter to yourself for letting you down. You believed in you. You were rooting for you.

7. Giant chunky yarn blanket - $400, Etsy.com

Sometimes the library gets unexpectedly chilly. Sometimes you just want to hide beneath giant yarn and pretend you don't exist. This handmade blanket addresses both of those needs.

8. Happy mask - $8.00, Amazon.com

Running on minimal sleep? Do your under-eye bags have under-eye bags? No problem! Don't let your appearance stop you from stepping outside of your room to study. This mask will give you the appearance of being somewhat alive and pleased to see people. You can even cut a mouth hole for all of those snacks you've packed.

9. Ostrich Pillow - $99, Brookstone.com

You know what will give you the upper hand over your finals? Not leaving the library. You can learn through sleeping on top of your textbooks with this Ostrich Pillow! Take a couple hours a day to nap at your library table and you'll wake up refreshed and ready to take on more studying. (Use at own risk: I take no responsibility for any suffocation deaths sustained while using the ostrich pillow under my advice.)

10. Your brain - Priceless

In all seriousness, your number one asset during finals is your own healthy brain. Make sure you don't overexert yourself, get enough sleep and drink enough water. Yes, final exams are an important part of college, but they shouldn't ruin your experience or your wellbeing. Take care of yourself first and your grades will follow. Don't actually put your brain in your backpack, though. That's probably not safe.