Is there anything we can do to make studying more fun? Can you listen to music when you study? The collegiettes at Her Campus are debating whether or not they can successfully study with the music on and if so, what they can listen to while memorizing French verbs and organizing marketing projects.
So check out what we think is best to listen to when studying and let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!
Instrumental music is the key because lyrics tend to distract me. Instead, I opt for soothing sounds from bands like Explosions in the Sky (try “Memorial”), Evenings (try “Friend [Lover]”), Active Child (try “Ivy”), and This Will Destroy You (try “The World Is Our ____”).
– Gennifer Delman, How She Got There Editor, Hofstra University
Stuff with minimal or no lyrics and with a continuous steady beat. I highly recommend trying any album by ‘Nightmares on Wax’ – the music is incredible, very easy to listen to and will instantly get you in the mood to study stress-free!
– Annabelle Teale, Campus Correspondent, The University of Nottingham
Yes, I love to listen to music but none with lyrics. I’ll listen to the pandora station of Yo Yo Ma or Explosions in the Sky.
– Elizabeth Carey, Campus Correspondent, UC Berkeley
I have to listen to music when I study. Quiet and I do not get along. I listen to a little of everything. I’ll start off with like Taylor Swift, then go to like DMX, and then I’ll listen to showtunes. Whatever makes you feel comfortable is what you should listen to when you study.
– Mariah Moses, Campus Correspondent, Virginia State University
Minneapolis has a great local radio station called “The Current” that’s awesome to listen to while studying. You can stream it for free off of their website, or from iTunes, making it super easy to listen to even if you’re hours away from the Twin Cities.
– Sydney Nolan, Contributing Writer, Macalester College
Yes, I listen to anything I’m in the mood for. I have an eclectic taste in music ranging from classical to Led Zeppelin to Ke$ha, even country … but I try to stick to one genre when studying.
– Joanna Kingston, Campus Correspondent, Merrimack College
I can’t study without music! Usually, I’ll make playlists with my favorite bands such as The Shins, Saint Motel, Fun., and OAR — mellow and calming! But when finals roll around, I always start listening to showtunes (I loved the theater when I was little). I have no idea why I do, but it always gets the job done.
– Kelsey Mulvey, Contributing Writer, Boston University
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I like to listen to acoustic music with piano and guitar usually. There are some really intriguing and fantastic playlists on 8tracks.com made just for studying. Not only do the playlists help me focus, but they also present new artists and types of music.
– Bettina Weiss, Campus Correspondent, Connecticut College
I love listening to Ingrid Michaelson and Mumford and Sons when I study! If I really need focus, I listen to instrumental yoga music.
– Rachel Crocetti, Campus Correspondent, Hofstra University
I really like Paper Diamond’s album Levitate. Since it’s electronic, there aren’t any distracting words and it’s faster than classical music so it’s a little more energizing.
– Kali Grant, Campus Correspondent, Ohio State
I can definitely listen to music while I study as long as that music is entirely instrumental. French cinema soundtracks are my favourite such as the Amélie soundtrack or the soundtrack to Paris, Je t’aime. If you haven’t heard them, watch the films first!
– Kristen Pye, Contributing Writer, Trinity College Dublin
I like anything that isn’t too crowded with lyrics — Temper Trap, Radiohead, or even classical music — so that I get some background noise without confusing the words in my Econ textbook with Nicki Minaj breaking it down. (Wait…did I just read ‘Ben Bernanke got that super bass’?)
– Sarah Kahwash, Contributing Writer, Kenyon College
I love listening to music when I make study guides and do other stuff that doesn’t involve too much concentration. I listen to a wide variety of music from Pandora’s study music playlist to party songs on fratmusic.com. Last semester, I listened to Kings of Leon on repeat while studying for my final exams…the relaxing tone was perfect!
– Erica Avesian, Contributing Writer, University of Michigan