15 Songs to Get You Through Grad School

15 Songs to Get You Through Grad School

Balancing work and school can be tough, but the right playlist can get you energized enough to make it through another week.

For Studying:

Many people prefer instrumentals while they’re studying. It’s less distracting, but still stimulating enough to increase your energy levels. Classical music is a good option. If Mozart is good enough for baby cognitive development, it’s good enough for you!

1. “Mozart Symphony #40 in G Minor” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
2. “Silence Magnifies Sound” by The Six Parts Seven

Jazz is another great genre for studying. Jazz music typically has more upbeat tempos than traditional classical, but you still won’t be distracted by lyrics. If you prefer lyrics, Michael Buble or Norah Jones may help get you through.

     3. “So What” by Miles Davis

     4. “Basin Street Blues” by Louis Armstrong

     5. “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones

For When You Need Motivation:

Maybe you just bombed a test or you’re facing a seemingly insurmountable pile of homework, these are the times when I think the right song can really help.  It’s like a musical pat-on-the-back.

     6.  “Invincible” by Muse

     7. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson

     8. “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor

     9. “Try Again” by Aaliyah

For When You’re Especially Stressed:

Sometimes you need a reminder why you’re putting yourself through all this stress. Why? Because that degree will be worth it in the end.

     10. “I Can” by Nas

     11.  “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

     12. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

     13. “Til I Collapse” by Eminem

For When You’ve Finally Made It:

Graduation! It feels like a lifetime away, but we’ll make it there eventually

     14. “We Are the Champions” by Queen

For Your Grad School Anthem:

Because nothing else better sums up the great and terrible experience of graduate school.

     15. “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve                                

If you prefer to listen to songs that you know all of the words to - - go for it! If you need to listen to heavy metal when you’re stressed – do it! By the time you’ve made it to grad school, you’ve probably figured out what type of music works best for you. I love to listen to Taylor Swift while I make study guides, so no judgment here.