Fall semester has yet again circled back to Maryland students, reminding you that right now is the time to make the most of college and invest in higher education. Although, this university brings back the best of memories, it comes with some gut-punching stress and insecurity as well. So let music be your motivational speaker this year with a handful of songs sure to encourage you to conquer anything college life throws your way.
When papers, projects, and extracurricular activities start stressing students out, a cup of coffee a day can pretty much keep the mental breakdown away. Complete with layered sounds, soothing tempos and soulful streams, Miguel clearly has the right idea with this R&B single.
This upbeat mantra will inspire you to give your all when completing your last French assignment, even through that tiresome fog at three in the morning. Though academics will get tiring, “Life of Dillon” reminds you that often the best of dreams, are also the most frightening.
3. “Strip me” -Natasha Bedingfield
Not everyone in college knows exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives, decided major or not. But Bedingfield’s free-spirited tune shows you that no matter where you go or who tries to hurt you, life works out as long as you feel comfortable in your skin.
4. “No Sleep”- Janet Jackson Featuring J. Cole
All-nighters are like textbook expenses: heartbreaking, but unavoidable. So you might as well get used to having a limited amount of shuteye over the next nine months, and what better way to cope than with the sweet voice of Ms. Janet Jackson.
5. “Livin’ on a Prayer”- Bon Jovi
Because it’s Bon Jovi…
6. “To U”- Skrillex and Diplo, Featuring Aluna George
For those moments when life has got you down and now all you crave is a hug from (insert Hemsworth brother here), but an oversized purple stuffed elephant will do.
7. “We’re All in This Together”- High School Musical Soundtrack
Tell the truth. You know ALL the words and every time you hear this song, you are temporarily transported to a sometimes much-needed land full of Saturday morning cartoons, Jesse McCartney and Cap’n Crunch.
Future president Kanye West + a killer Ray Charles impersonation from Jamie Foxx = seriously, one of the best videos of all time.
Because if Nas said it, it is the honest truth. No further discussion needed.
10. “One Day More” –Les Miserables Movie Soundtrack
Surely your academic schedule is way less tragic than the depressing lives of 19th century revolutionary France, but sometimes a pep talk from mom is not cutting it and the only thing left is a melodramatic battle anthem.