1. You can listen to this playlist I made for you on 8tracks! The playlist is made up of mostly instrumental tracks, and any vocals are far from distracting (Patrick Watson and Washed Out). On top of the playlist I’ve made, 8tracks has endless options available if you search “study”.
2. Noise generators allow you to totally fine-tune the sound that works for you. I like this one, which includes white noise, natural noises, atmospheric noises and something called tonal drones (I’m sold).
#sorrynotsorry
3. In honour of its upcoming rerelease, I’m ready to reveal my best kept not-really-a-secret study secret. Hotel: Ambient was originally released as the bonus disc to Moby‘s beautiful 2005 album Hotel, which is a gem in itself. Hotel might be okay study music for some, but I find that I enjoy it too much to focus on much else. I’ve listened to Hotel: Ambient at least once per study day (at least five days a week) for at least five years. Moby premiered an extended version of Live Forever on USA Today. I’ll let you find the album yourself on your music source of choice, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say buy this album with money! I promise that if you give it a chance, you’ll one day cherish the physical copy of this amazing piece of work.
4. Silence. This option is a tough one in this day and age, especially when not even Silent Study rooms are sacred. But if the stars align and you can find absolute quiet, productivity will find you. I suggest the depths of the Koerner basement.
Literally, me.
5. Cafe noise. If JK Rowling can do it, we can too. Many writers call cafes their ideal writing location, in spite or perhaps because of the constant chatter. Take your pick from our list of the best coffee shops on campus.