This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Mt Holyoke chapter.

The weeks following Thanksgiving break and then finals can be a tough time. Music can be a great way to get you through the rest of the semester. Whether you need to get motivated, get focused or even just relax, music can be the perfect tool. Here are a few songs to listen to depending on the mood you are in:

1. When you need to study

“3 Gymnopédies: II. Lent et triste in C Major” by Eric Satie, Anne Queffélec

Time to end the semester with a bang. You’re determined to hit the books and give your GPA the boost it desperately needs. Put on some soothing classical music that will let you focus and put you in the mindset to ace that test.

2. When you’re nostalgic for summer

“T-Shirt Weather” by Circa Waves

It’s starting to get cold out, like really cold. Suddenly you’re missing the summer and wishing you could trade your snow boots for flip-flops. At least the school has been cranking up the heat in your room so it kind of feels like summer in there.

3. When you need to feel inspired

“Glamorous” by Fergie

All right, studying is getting a little boring and the fact that it gets dark at 4:30 doesn’t help either. Put some pep back in your step by reminding yourself how amazing you are with this song!

4. When you’re missing home

“Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” by Tim McGraw

You’re basically counting down the days until school is over. You miss your family, your friends from home, and most of all being able to shower without shoes on.

5. When you need to work off the stress

“7/11” by Beyonce

Exercise is a great form of self-care and can be incredibly beneficial when you’ve been studying all day. Whether you turn your dorm room into a dance party, hit the gym, or go for a walk around Upper Lake, turning on this song can put you in the perfect mood to work up a sweat.

6. When you’re feeling gloomy

“Somebody Else” by The 1975

Everybody feels a little down once in awhile. Embrace your emotions and listen to something that will let you be the angsty teen you are at heart.

7. When you learn to love the cold

“Holocene” by Bon Iver

The cold is finally setting in and you think it’s actually kind of nice. You’re not sweating every time you go outside, plus you get to wear all those cute sweaters and curl up with a cup of tea. Maybe you actually love the cold? Who knew!

8. When you’ve been in the library all day and forget there’s a world outside

“Pink+White” by Frank Ocean

You’ve really been hitting the books studying for finals. Entire weeks seem to have been spent in the library. After a long day in the stacks you finally step out into the world. You’re shocked to feel the cold, fresh air, see the pretty trees, and the pink late-afternoon sky. Wow, there’s a whole world out there!

9. When you just need to relax

“Oceans” by Coldplay

Schoolwork is important, but giving yourself time to just relax and decompress is essential to your wellbeing. So sometimes the best thing to do is absolutely nothing, and this is the perfect song for that.

10. When you’re finally done with the semester

“The Greatest” by Sia

Throw your books in the trash! It’s winter break and you are finally done. Dance off the weeks of stress with some wild music.

Hopefully these songs will provide you with the boost you need to get through the rest of the semester. Listen to them all or choose the ones that best fit your mood!

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If you would like to write for Her Campus Mount Holyoke, or if you have any questions or comments for us, please email mt-holyoke@hercampus.com.

10 Songs to Get You Through the Rest of the Semester