As a freshman in college far from my hometown across the country, it is natural to have a bundle of emotions parading inside my head. And though it may be nice to attribute this chaos to my sudden arrival, I don’t doubt that college students of other grades or backgrounds feel the same. So, what is there to do when the feelings hit and you’re in a ‘suffer in silence’ type of mood? For me, a walk and a perfect playlist can help.
But let’s talk about emotions for a second. Did your partner just break up with you? Did you suddenly land a date with the cute person you see in the dining hall occasionally? Or are you feeling kind of mixed up and confused about your place in the world?
Whatever you may be feeling, spending some time outside listening to music may not solve all your problems, but it can definitely feel good in the moment to escape the too-quiet libraries or the constant traffic in your common rooms.
I’ve gathered some of my favorite walks on and close to campus along with some songs that can help you get through those emotions that typically have a way of distracting us from our course packets.
- When the Heartbreak Hits.
So first off, let’s clarify the nature of the heartbreak. If it falls more along the lines of screaming into your pillow while furiously scribbling in your journal, I recommend “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette to get you in that primal scream mood. If the heartbreak is a softer, more Bella Swan in New Moon type of mood, then let’s stay with the theme with “Roslyn” by Bon Iver and St. Vincent. And for both, a walk to the Hoosic River is definitely a beautiful change of scenery. This trail has the best of both worlds with a paved walkway if you aren’t too keen on getting your boots muddy and off-trail paths that lead you to the riverbank where you can sit on a bench or log while simply reminiscing.
- Let’s Crush!
So it’s not just me, right? Getting to know people from all across the world is an incredible experience and doesn’t come without its romanticizing benefits. When you’re feeling that type of cozy, faraway crush where the world seems much brighter in their presence, “Someone To Spend Time With” by Los Retros is a solid song to smile to. When they spark that electric shock through your heart, “Don’t Delete The Kisses” by Wolf Alice is the perfect song to appreciate those emotions that make you blush, laugh, and smile secretly to yourself. To be completely honest, I recommend a walk around campus through the fall foilage because what better way to people-watch and potentially run into the special someone that has your heart all in a mix?
- Confused, Lost, and Mixed-Up.
We live busy lives. We have hours of homework every day, we participate in clubs, sports, acapella groups, and everything in between. Sometimes, days blend together and we feel just ‘fine.’ It’s times like these when we may need those extra self-reflections and walks in nature. For these days, “Andromeda” by Weyes Blood encapsulates those existential feelings that sometimes are too hard for us to encapsulate in words. Though Stone Hill may be more of a trek, the chance to see some cows and experience one of the best views of the Purple Valley is worth it. But if you’re too busy in the daytime doing homework, the chance to stargaze on your own or with a friend on Stone Hill is an experience that just shouldn’t be missed! For the last stargazing melody, “I Know The End” by Phoebe Bridgers is the final song I’ll leave you with in order to truly appreciate what Williams nature has to offer.
Whether you are feeling positive, negative, or all over the place, it’s completely natural to have those days when you just need to take a break. So the next time you find yourself gazing out the window in need of some fresh air, I hope you take advantage of the opportunity to walk around Williams with your favorite playlist!