Finals Week Survival Kit: 20 Healthy, Affordable Study Snacks

It's the time of year we all look forward to but dread at the same time, finals week. It means the semester and year are coming to a close. We all are anticipating the much-needed break away from school, time with family and friends, traveling, and simple fun in the sun.

But we have to try to make it through the two dreadful weeks of studying and testing, first. There's one thing, other than coffee, that is sure to help you stay awake in the wee hours of the night when you're either cramming for your next exam or trying to be a "good student" and get ahead of the game and that's snacks.

We are college students and we love food but we also run on a budget.

Here's some helpful snack ideas that are sure to keep your brain awake and ready to study, nice to your body and healthy (well kind of...), and are also going to be nice to your wallet.

1. Fruit

Apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries and so many more! They are easy to buy in bulk or take from the cafeteria. Cut them up and make an easy fruit salad or just have them by themselves. They have natural sugars that will boost your energy and give you that little bit of sweetness you've been craving without eating two bars of chocolate.

2. Frozen Grapes

Yeah, they are fruit and can go with number one but frozen grapes give you that cold treat to wake you up just when you need it most! They are a great substitute for the pint of ice cream that would take you away from studying. Just freeze a container of these and they provide a nice snack that's easy to pop into your mouth as you continue reading that study guide!

3. Pretzels

Who doesn't love a little salty snack while you may be a little salty about those two back to back exams? They are easy to eat with one hand and don't come with a mess.

4. Veggies

Yup, I said it, vegetables. Carrots and celery are the perfect easy snack to grab and go and are always offered in the cafeteria. You can even get creative. If you want some added flavor try some sauces to dip into. You can go with the classic ranch or get a little creative and mix ranch with sriracha or buffalo sauce to get a little spice added as well.

5. String Cheese

Why not relive your childhood days while feeling like you're drowning in adulthood? Plus string cheese will help curve your craving for something sweet or salty!

6. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is known to help really boost your brain and get you going! If you want a little extra flavor you can add some brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, peanut butter, or fruit to get some new flavor!

7. Rice Cakes

With its many available flavors, you are sure to find one you like. I recommend the caramel one! It can help satisfy a crunchy and sweet craving you may have. If you're feeling a little adventurous, add some peanut butter to it!

8. Peanut Butter

Ahhh peanut butter and all its glory! Just a spoonful can do the trick... but sometimes it takes the jar. Peanut butter is an awesome source of quick protein to get you going.

9.Granola

You can find some amazing flavors at Target! Just pop a handful in your mouth for a sweet and crunchy taste that's sure to satisfy your latest craving.

10. Greek Yogurt

It's full of flavor and nutrients that'll keep you awake and ready to study so you can crush that test.

11. Hummus

It comes in all sorts of flavors and you can dip a variety of tasty snacks in it from carrots, crackers, pita bread and more!

12. Almonds, peanuts and more

They are quick and easy. You can get a salty craving and a crunch one all taken care of while still getting the added source of protein.

13. Avocados

Yum! They are good by themselves, cut up with some salsa, or on top of some bread. They help lower blood pressure which we can all use!

14. Popcorn

Who doesn't love popcorn? It's one of the quickest and healthiest snacks you can make in the microwave. You can sweet with Kettle Corn or salty with movie theater butter and salt.

15. Turkey

Sliced deli turkey gives you a little bit of cold with a whole lot of protein. It's easy to grab and go and it's fairly cheap! Just pack some in a ziplock and you're good to go!

Let's be real it's not finals week without a little bit of chocolate and straight sugar to really get that sugar rush going!

16. Chocolate covered coffee beans

Yes, they do exist. It's a nice substitution to drinking coffee and gives a little bit of sweet, caffeine, bitterness and a nice crunch.

17. Dark chocolate

We all love chocolate and dark chocolate isn't too sweet where you'll continuously crave more but it'll satisfy that craving you have for something sweet.

18. Trail mix

You can get some with just enough sweet and added protein from different nuts. There's a variety to choose from! It's easy to bring with you wherever your studying may take you and easy to pop in your mouth and keep on studying.

19. Chips

We all love them! Their flavor, crunch, and saltiness is heaven sent when it's 1 a.m. and you're still trying to get through that dreadful history chapter.

20. m&m's

You can mix them with whatever you'd like or eat them plain! There are more flavors than you can count, giving you the perfect variety.