How to Make a Test Week Survival Kit

A test week survival kit sounds like such a serious thing that every student should have one. In fact, it's a motivational package, usually sent by a parent, to encourage the student to maintain his calm through the stressful test period. The packages can include just about anything, but it helps to have a good idea of what the recipient leans on when things get tough.

Things You'll Need

• small bag (a sandwich bag will work)
• toothpick
• sticker
• paperclip
• penny
• tissue
• rubber band
• eraser
• life save

Instructions

1. Get a box or package large enough to hold a week's worth of small items.

2. Insert school-related items the student can actually use to study or take exams. Depending on the school and grade, these items may be as simple as pencils, erasers, sketch pads or small notebooks.

3. Insert snacks or fruit based on the recipient's preferences. One small snack for each day of the school week should be enough. A perfect kit food for a college student would be her favorite homemade treat. Whatever the recipient loves most as comfort food is fine for the kit.

4. Assume a college student will spend long hours in a library or study hall away from their apartment or dorm room. Add a few "necessary" items like a travel toothbrush, a mini-bottle of mouthwash, and a comb.

5. Toss in a simple toy or plush doll if the recipient has a sense of humor about such things. This will serve as a temporary diversion from studying.

6. Include a note of encouragement. A college student worried about tests may need the words of that note more than anything else in the kit.

References

• NC Times: Final Exam Survival Kits Nourish Students' Bodies, Spirits