Ever since I was a little girl, music has always been a big part of my life but it was only recently, as a college freshman, that I had started listening to it while I study. I tend to lean toward the more mellow and simpler songs for when I study compared to the wild, dance-and-rock-out-to songs that I reserve for my study breaks.
Along with the study songs, I also have the songs that I like to listen to while I put my materials away and dance away the stress! You’ll find those in spots 8-10 on this list.
- “Cardigan” by Taylor Swift
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“Cardigan” is Taylor Swift’s newest hit off of her album “Folklore”. “Cardigan” makes me feel calm when studying for my midterms. There’s a lyric that really motivates me to study hard and aim to get a good grade: “When you are young, they assume you know nothing.” It’s true, sometimes I’ve heard older people (teachers, relatives) doubt my ideas and input because of how young I am. When I’m studying, this pushes me to prove people like that in my life wrong.
- “Better Off” by Ariana Grande
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“Better Off” is from Ari’s Sweetener album and it is such a mellow song. Compared to her other songs, there are no pitch changes or any crazy whistle notes in this song which really makes it perfect for studying. It also reminds me of how important it is to put my time towards studying – and putting the time in to get my degree – I’m “Better Off” this way.
- “Malibu 1992” by COIN
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COIN is one of my all-time favorite bands, I love all of their music so much. “Malibu 1992” is such a good song to study to because of how slow it is – the beat is consistent and so are the instrumentals in the background. I find myself listening to this song when I need to think or let it all out.
- “Hold My Girl” by George Ezra
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“Hold My Girl” is my favorite love song in the whole wide world. Besides that, “Hold My Girl” reminds me of being on my porch studying while still being in nature and not being stuck at my desk. I think that this song really helps me study because it’s so calm – and that’s something that I need to study with so that I can really concentrate.
- “Technicolor Beat” by Oh Wonder
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I love Oh Wonder and have loved them since middle school. I find Oh Wonder’s music to be so peaceful. “Technicolor Beat” is good to study with because it is constant with the background rhythm and instrumentals.
- “One Last Time” by Ariana Grande
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I love Ari and this song is one of my favorites from her. It’s a little more upbeat than the rest of the study songs, but still consistent with the music – there are no crazy beat drops or distracting whistle notes.
- “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes
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This song reminds me of fall and being in the Adirondack mountains, taking in nature. So, when I listen to it while I’m at my desk, I feel like I’m totally in a different setting and relaxed – even when studying is super stressful.
- “Tears Dry on Their Own” by Amy Winehouse
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I don’t know about you, but I find that midterms are so stressful. I feel like I’ve been worrying a lot more as midterms draw closer. As the stress comes, so do the tears and this song reminds me to dry them because I’m going to do my best and ace all of my midterms.
- “Pretty Girl Rock” by Keri Hilson
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This song is my #1 hype song. When I’m relaxing and calmed down from the stress, this song is to remind myself that I am amazing and life is good. Those pesky midterms don’t have anything on me!.
- “Changing of the Seasons” by Two Door Cinema Club
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This song reminds me of the leaves turning outside my window – it’s fall which kind of signifies that midterms are here. This song has its place on my “Midterms!” playlist because I don’t love midterms at all but once they’re over, I feel like a better student and like I am really accomplishing something as a Loyola first-year.
Remember to stay tuned for more from our Midterm Study Playlist series, coming to you throughout the week!