It’s officially midterm season, *sigh*. This part of the semester can seem like a long drag to reach the finish line, but we just have to keep reminding ourselves, it’s almost over, you can make it! One way that I’ve always been able to push through my workload (and difficult academic times alike) is with the help of music — specifically, a studying playlist for background noise and chill vibes.
Music is a universal language that possesses the ability to transform anyone and everyone. I fill up every silent room or awkward walk through the library with a quick shuffle of my favorite playlists on Spotify. Listening to music while you’re in a deep study sesh can fill up some of the quiet space while you’re hard at work — in fact, listening to music while studying can reduce stress, increase your motivation and focus, and help you memorize new information. If you’re hoping to get some work done but need a soundtrack, look no further. Here are 50 of my favorite songs for the perfect midterm playlist.
- “Surf” by Mac Miller
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Mac Miller’s final studio album Circles is jam-packed with chill vibes, and “Surf” is no exception. This song always helps me calm down and get focused when studying.
- “simple times” by Kasey Musgraves
- “Happiness (Dance Floor Edit)” by The 1975
- “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean
- “Good Thing” by Benjamin Love
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Benjamin Love’s “Good Thing” blends the use of mellow and upbeat melodies to make for the perfect study sesh song. When this comes on, I’m officially in *the zone.*
- “Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridger’s) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” by Taylor Swift
- “at least i’m pretty” by Harriette
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- “Homegirl” by King Princess
- “Pretty Boy” by Lennon Stella
- “Consideration” by Rihanna & SZA
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I mean, who can really blame me for loving this track? All of the songs from Rihanna’s Anti are iconic, but this collaboration with SZA is *chef’s kiss* because the tempo instantly grounds me.
- “Valerie” by Nora & Will
- “Orange Coffee” by Rocketman
- “Hey Lover” by The Daughters Of Eve
- “Hope” by Arlo Parks
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- “Dancing On My Own” by Vitamin String Quaret
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My freshman year English teacher used to always play Pandora radios full of instrumental covers of classic songs, so naturally I’m keen on Vitamin String Quartet’s rendition of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.”
- “As It Was” by Harry Styles
- “Fountains (with Tems)” by Drake
- “Naked” by MALIA
- “Disco Man” by Remi Wolf
- “Leave It On The Dancefloor” by Hope Tala
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I really love to study to songs that follow an even tempo and have a blend of chill and uplifting sounds. “Leave It On The Dancefloor” by Hope Tala fits my bill perfectly!
- “Playground” by Steve Lacy
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- “The Sound” by The 1975
- “SUNRISE” by MICHELLE
- “Close To You” by Dayglow
- “Hell N Back” by Bakar
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This song has been featured on a multitude of study playlists I’ve found on Spotify before, so I had to add it to this one for its calming nature.
- “20 Something” by SZA
- “Lose My Cool” by Amber Mark
- “Sister” by TSHA
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- “Early” by Joy Crookes & Jafaris
- “Right” by Mac Miller
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Millers’ “Right” was one of two bonus tracks released as part of Circles, showcasing his rhythmic lyricism and nostalgic aura. Miller’s voice is so grounding to me, especially in these final tracks from his repertoire.
- “Walking On A Dream” by Empire of the Sun
- “Gods & Monsters” by Lana Del Rey
- “Trees and Flowers” by Strawberry Switchblade
- “BDE Bonus” by Mac Miller
- “Dreams – 2004 Remaster” by Fleetwood Mac
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- “Panic Attacks” by Yellow Days
- “@elio.irl” by ELIO
- “Hurts Just Right” by The Ivy
- “Keep Driving” by Harry Styles
- “Lost” by Frank Ocean
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Frank Ocean’s music carries a tranquility that makes it perfect for me to study to.
- “Go Gina” by SZA
- “Clean” by Taylor Swift
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- “I’m Having Sex Tonight” by GRLwood
- “Devil’s Advocate” by The Neighbourhood
- “Woods” by Mac Miller
- “C U Girl” by Steve Lacy
- “James Joint” by Rihanna
- “Japanese Denim” by Daniel Caesar
- “BedrooM” by Litany
- “Everybody” by Mac Miller
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No matter what you choose to listen to for your midterms study sessions, whether it’s this playlist, classical music, or some lo-fi beats, just remember that you’ve got this and you will survive midterms season, no matter how bleak things may feel right now. Good luck, besties!