As midterms season makes its daunting presence known on campus, its not surprising that emotions run wild among most library-bound college students. Navigating this nerve-wracking time is a journey in itself, and like many others, I’ve found myself caught in the turbulent whirlwind of emotions that this season has ushered in. As a fellow solitary studier, I often drown my sorrows with my noise-canceling headphones and an endlessly looping playlist. As a prelude to my upcoming (and super frightening) genetics midterm, I’ve decided to compile and share with you my mood-dependent playlists, hoping that it might provide future me with a bit of emotional solace to fall back upon post-exam.
For dealing with jittery post-espresso anxieties:
- Not Enough by boygenius
- Bags by Clairo
- making the bed by Olivia Rodrigo
- Fine Line by Harry Styles
- 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins
When barely surviving late-night study sessions:
- No Surprises by Radiohead
- Style by Taylor Swift
- Moth To A Flame Swedish House Mafia (with The Weeknd)
- reckless driving by Lizzy McAlpine
For Those Celebratory Small Wins:
- Hits Different by Taylor Swift
- Everybody by Ingrid Michaelson
- get him back! by Olivia Rodrigo
- Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac
I’m homesick and tired!:
- Call Your Mom by Noah Kahan (ft. Lizzy McAlpine)
- Look After You by The Fray
- Waiting Room by Phoebe Bridgers
- The Wisp Sings by Winter Aid
Taking a Library-to-Next-Study-Spot Stroll
- You’re Gonna Go Far by Noah Kahan
- The Alcott by The National (ft. Taylor Swift)
- The View Between Villages – Extended Version by Noah Kahan
- About You by The 1975
- Selfless by The Strokes
Genetics is confusing!:
- Happy and Sad by Kacey Musgraves
- Champagne Problems by Taylor Swift
- Opposite by Sabrina Carpenter
- You’re On Your Own Kid by Taylor Swift
And for the comfort of your bed:
- Where do we go now? by Gracie Abrams
- Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
- No Complaints by Noah Kahan
These playlists are my emotional lifeline in the never-ending sea of midterms, offering a melodic escape, a dance break, and a soothing tune when needed most. As you can tell, my music taste tends to lean towards a specific genre, but these are only my go-to tracks during stressful times. I’ve also fallen head over heels into a Noah Kahan binge ever since I scored concert tickets (!)–and I’m definitely not complaining about that! I hope your midterms season has been manageable, and remember, each one you absolutely conquer brings you closer to your last! Wishing you all the best!