I always listen to music when I study. As controversial as this may be, it’s a matter of preference, just like typing or handwriting notes. When it’s time to study, I usually press shuffle on Apple Music and hope for the best, occasionally skipping songs or opting for a new playlist if nothing suits my fancy. By now, I know what I’m looking for (even if I just press “skip” until I find it), and I know my study moods very well.
So, if you’re studying and need that perfect song to meet your very specific mood, I’ve got you.
- Need Energy? “Picture to Burn” – Taylor Swift
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No, this song won’t get you into the “study zone,” but if you’re nostalgic like me, it’s high-energy beat and fond childhood memories will put a pep in your step faster than your third cup of coffee.
- Crave a Cool, Calming Tune? “Run” – Vallis Alps
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This is the kind of song you can relax to. With a calm melody and relaxed sound, there’s a touch of melancholy that grounds the song, but don’t add this to your “sad girl playlist.” If you don’t like to study to classical music but don’t want the sound of the Top 40, consider a song like this.
- Want to Be Angsty Yet Productive? “Lake Effect Kid” – Fall Out Boy
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Maybe it’s my former emo years talking, but I love Fall Out Boy and study really well to their music. The lyrics don’t overpower the sound, and I can enjoy them without getting distracted. Plus, I like a little kick of strong guitars to get myself into gear.
- Change in Tempo to Keep It Interesting? “Talia” – King Princess
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When this song comes on shuffle, it always surprises me. The calm, slow beginning makes you think that you’ve found another sad ballad. But then the song just changes! This will get your attention and re-energize your study session.
- Need a Gentle Voice Whispering Beautiful Things? “I Lost a Friend” – Finneas
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Yes, this song is sad, and yes, when you sing along (which you have to), you can easily go into that headspace. But there’s something grounding about the ease and beauty of these lyrics. It might pull you out of your “study brain,” but use that as a moment to recenter and begin again.
- Distracted by Lyrics but Hate Music Without Them? “Parade” – Younha
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Unless you’re fluent in Korean, you likely don’t understand all of these lyrics, and to enjoy this song, you don’t need to! It’s incredibly beautiful, and Younha’s voice is stunning.
- Tired of Modern Music? “Take a Chance on Me” – ABBA
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I don’t know why it’s so nice to study to ABBA, but it is. Don’t believe me? Take a chance!
- Studying French? “1987” – Calogero
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Studying to French music helps, okay? I made a playlist of my favorite French songs on Apple Music, and this is one of my top picks.
- Want to Relax and Focus? “Midnight City” – M83
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I swear that this song is otherworldly. How can a melody make me feel like I’ve stepped into a movie montage of a girl exploring the big city for the first time and letting all of her troubles fall away? I don’t know how, but I feel it. Beyond M83’s mystical powers, this is an excellent study song. It’s a banger with high-energy while also featuring predictability that allows you to focus on your studies.
- Want to Feel Nostalgic yet Warm? “Old Friends” – Ben Rector
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Sometimes, you need some perspective while studying, and this is a grounding song if I’ve ever heard one. Warning: you may feel a weird urge to text childhood friends afterward.