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Maxime Bhm
Culture > Entertainment

Feel Good Playlist to End Back-To-School Blues

Jordan Kadish
Kyra Mackesy
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TCNJ chapter.

Fall break is as good as gone, and whether you are an eager freshman or a restless senior, we can all agree that the “back-to-school-blues” are very real at the moment.

 

Let’s face it, the initial excitement of dorm decorating and sunny weather has died down, and now that classwork is starting to build up, we could all use an end of break “pick-me-up.” Some may resort to Netflix binges or a slightly embarrassing amount of soft serve ice cream from Eick, but music can be the perfect remedy to bring up your mood. Check out this 12 song back-to-school playlist to lift your spirits and get you motivated this semester!

 

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  1. “New Soul” by Yael Naim- This one is for my fellow freshmen out there! It’s tough getting adjusted to a brand new environment, and this feel-good song perfectly describes that feeling. Hang in there!

~ “I’m a new soul, I came to this strange world hoping I could learn a bit ’bout how to give and take…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhE7QMXRE1g

 

  1. “Schoolin’ Life” by Beyonce- This upbeat song by Queen Bey herself will surely put you in a positive and productive mood on the morning walk to your dreaded 8am class!

~ “You know it costs to be the boss, one day you’ll run the town…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAmnkPUFMHg

 

  1. “This Is The Day” by The The- This song is all about getting out of a rut and into a can-do attitude; perfect for anyone having trouble getting things started.

~ “This is the day, your life will surely change, this is the day, when things fall into place…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhWVJnKjtsQ

 

  1. “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae- This tune never fails to put me in a good mood.The calming and happy instrumentals and Rae’s beautiful voice makes even the hardest days less stressful.

~ “Just go ahead, let your hair down. You’re gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gPD7kY1amE

 

  1. “Good As New” by Vacationer- This song is perfect for the new school year, as it describes new beginnings and good friends that are with you for the exciting journey.  

~ “Hey, I’ve got it good, got it real good, somewhere where I can belong…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PZEXh78cls

 

  1. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles- This one is, of course, a classic. The sweet melodies of this Beatles hit will instantly calm your nerves and inspire you to see the good in whatever you do.

~ “Here comes the sun, and I say it’s alright…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUNqsfFUwhY

 

  1. “Grow” by Conan Gray- On-the-rise youtuber Conan Gray released “Grow” last year, a song with strong messages of growing up, leaving home, and finding yourself.

~ “See it all unfold, an emerald life before me. Yeah I think I’m ready for running on concrete, electricity. I finally can breathe, I think I’m ready to grow…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNFwldnMHk0

 

  1. “Ready” by Kodaline- Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and this inspiring and high energy song describes being ready for anything that is to come, good or bad.

~ “I never seen it coming never seen a thing. Maybe I’ll get through what’s ever coming to me. I’m ready, I’m ready for it…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4IoEbW3foE

 

  1. “Start Of Something New” by High School Musical– Okay, I know that we are all college students, but let’s be real, High School Musical never gets old. This one is pretty self explanatory, we are starting a brand new year, it’s exciting, and everyone loves HSM. I’ll leave it at that.

~ “Livin’ in my own world, didn’t understand that anything can happen, when you take a chance…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGTC46eWbUQ

 

  1. “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root- Whether you remember this song from classic childhood movies like “Matilda” or “Ice Age”, this joyful song hold very nostalgic significance to many people. It’s all about independence and living your life the way you want it to be. ~ “I would like to reach out my hand. I may see you, I may tell you to run…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoLboZAUGfM

 

  1. “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys- The title says it all– this beloved The Beach Boys classic often reminds people of summer, but we can always carry those good vibrations to TCNJ for the school year!

~ “I’m pickin’ up good vibrations…Ah, ah, my my, what elation…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eab_beh07HU

 

  1. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield- “Unwritten” is perfect to end this playlist, as it is all about living life to the fullest. You will never know what is going to happen this year, so you might as well be excited for all the possibilities, opportunities, and growth!

~ “Staring at the blank page before you, open up the dirty window, let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6-0jkJPh1k

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Jordan is a senior Psychology major and Women & Gender Studies minor at TCNJ, with an interest in becoming a clinical psychologist in the future. In her free time, she loves making lengthy spotify playlists, drawing, trying out new recipes, and rewatching the same 5 tv shows over and over.
Kyra Mackesy graduated The College of New Jersey with a BA in Journalism and Professional Writing and a minor in Criminology in 2019. While at TCNJ, she was an active member of their Her Campus chapter, holding a wide array of positions: President and Campus Correspondent, Editor-in-Chief, Senior Editor, Marketing and Publicity Director, and Social Media Manager. She loved seeing her chapter grow throughout her four years in college, and will remain an active Her Campus Alumni.