Soundtracks to Self-Discovery: Exploring the Freshman Year Through Music
Freshman year is often depicted as a dramatic transition, a significant leap from adolescence to young adulthood. It's a period of intense self-discovery, marked by new freedoms, daunting responsibilities, and a whirlwind of emotions. Just as music can evoke powerful memories and emotions, certain songs can perfectly capture the essence of this transformative year. This article delves into the freshman experience through the lens of music, exploring how specific songs resonate with the unique challenges and triumphs of this pivotal time.
The Culture Shock Symphony: "Ribs" by Lorde
For many, freshman year is a jarring experience, a far cry from the idealized version often portrayed in popular media. It's a time of navigating unfamiliar social landscapes, academic pressures, and the daunting task of self-reliance. Lorde's "Ribs" encapsulates this feeling of disorientation and the bittersweet nostalgia for simpler times.
As the school year comes to a close, it is easy to say that the freshman in college experience is like no other. Moving away from home, meeting new people, adjusting to college classes, and doing things yourself can be challenging. Inevitably, you are getting older and starting to do things by yourself. One of the biggest factors of being a college freshman is being on your own, which for some, could be the first time. Growing up isn’t always easy, especially when you deal with the effects in college.
The lyrics, "This dream isn't feeling sweet/ We're reeling through the midnight streets/ And I've never felt more alone/ It feels so scary, getting old," resonate deeply with the anxieties and uncertainties that often accompany this new chapter. Lorde wrote this song in high school after hosting her first house party. In an interview with Genius about the song, Lorde said “It scares me to think of having one foot in that adult world, because who says that we can go back? Like, can you be a kid and still do adult things? Do you have to leave that world behind?” This fear is heavily prevalent in freshman year-especially for the first quarter. You are three months out of middle school and thrown into a completely new chapter of your life. Like she says, you have one foot through the door.
"Ribs" allows us to embrace the excitement of our youth but also how it feels so scary getting old. This blend of excitement and apprehension is a hallmark of the freshman experience, as students grapple with their newfound independence while simultaneously longing for the comfort and security of their childhood.
Read also: Do Colleges Care?
The Anthem of Independence: "New Romantics" by Taylor Swift
College is truly a rollercoaster from beginning to end. But, it can be exciting. Another Taylor Swift song on this playlist is a must. The upbeat song by Bleachers makes us feel like letting loose and having fun while looking back at the things we went through. Whether it is getting ready to go out with your friends or having a solo dance party, New Romantics is perfect for romanticizing your independence and having fun in college. This song is perfect for romanticizing your independence and having fun in college.
The "Pursuit of Happiness" by Kid Cudi
Listen, I know this song is about taking drugs. But I like to think it’s more deeply about finding what truly and most consistently makes you happy! In my eyes this song isn’t a thumbs up to drinking and doing drugs; it’s a sarcastic parody of an addict’s thought process while under the influence. The lyrics hint at everything falling to hell around this person, but he ignores every care or ‘trial’ in favor of the addictive substance. The title is the ‘Pursuit of Happiness’, meaning happiness is never achieved, but fruitlessly sought after in an artificial form. For me, the addictive substance in question was my own personal freedom and the ability to live my life the way I wanted.
The Freshman Year Playlist: A Soundtrack to Growth and Discovery
Music is everywhere and vital to the college experience. Though there are hundreds of other songs I could have included, here are ten songs that describe my experience as a college freshman and a few things I learned along the way. Every song has its own story, but these five songs in particular are ones that defined my freshman year of college.
"Oath" - Cher Lloyd:For me, the most important aspect of my first year of college was making some of the best friends of my life. College gives you a world of freedom you never had in high school, and the people you take advantage of that freedom with deserve to know how much they mean to you. It’s never a wrong time to tell your friends you love them, or to let Cher Lloyd do it for you.
"College Kids" - Relient K: Relient K flawlessly describes both the good and bad of college in this unbelievably relatable track. The beginning of the song talks about how broke college students are, something that I did not foresee before first semester started. You always hear about “broke college kids,” but the reality is a lot different, a lot worse. I’m talking Easy Mac for dinner because you have no other option, or wearing the same pants 4 days in a row because you can’t afford laundry. Luckily, there are job opportunities on campus, friends to help you out, and lots of free stuff. Word of advice to any incoming college students: take advantage of any and all free food! You’ll thank me later. Also, as crappy as college can be, don’t forget how amazing it is.
Read also: A Prequel's Party Problems
"I Love College" - Asher Roth: Whether you’re someone who likes to party or not, this song is an anthem when it comes to college life. No matter who you are, as a college student, this song is relatable in one way or another. The lyrics are extremely catchy, and perfectly sum up the college party scene.
"Work Hard, Play Hard" - Wiz Khalifa: In college, it often feels as though you’re drowning in responsibilities. I’ve had moments where I was sitting at my desk studying, and all I could think of was how much I would rather be at the beach. Wiz Khalifa reminded me that it’s great to play hard, but you have to work hard first. Don’t let yourself get too wrapped up in all the fun parts of college. Parties are great and spending all day with your friends is extremely tempting, but your GPA will thank you if you take just a little time each day to hit the books.
"Midnight Memories" - One Direction: Similar to Cher Lloyd, One Direction stresses the importance of having fun with the people you care about. In this song, 1D is primarily singing about a girl, and making memories with her. As important as your friends are, college is an opportunity to find a more-than-friend as well. Whether you’re into the hookup scene, or looking for a relationship, I discovered that the most valuable thing is to have fun with whoever you choose to spend your time with.
"Campus" - Vampire Weekend: If relationships aren’t your thing (and there’s nothing wrong with that!), Vampire Weekend has your back. This song accurately illustrates the day after hooking up with someone: waking up without that person next to you, seeing them across campus and pretending you never want to see them again, and being reminded of that person even when you’re in class. If you’re like me and relationships are more your style, that’s great too, but I’m sure everyone knows at least one person who’s been through exactly what this song is about.
"Roses" - The Chainsmokers: Roses is a great representation of what it feels like to have a crush. College hookup scene aside, it is not at all uncommon to find yourself catching feelings for someone. For me, the student body at my college is over ten times the size of that of my high school. That means there are over 10 times the number of guys. If a relationship is what you’re looking for, there are plenty of options. I learned the hard way that there aren’t many guys looking for a relationship freshman year, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Make sure you don’t spend too much time finding someone to be with because focusing on yourself is far more important. You don’t need a guy to be happy.
Read also: Washington University Admissions Guide
"Do My Thang" - Miley Cyrus: In this upbeat track by Queen Miley, we are reminded to do what makes us happy, regardless of what others might think. One of the most vastly different aspects of college in comparison to high school is that, seemingly overnight, you are forced to become a completely independent person. You are in charge of finding your own food, doing your own laundry, and fighting your own battles. For some, this can be a really scary thing, but take this as an opportunity and a fresh start to do whatever makes you happiest. If, like Miley, you love to party, go for it! If you’d rather stay inside and watch movies, awesome! Do what makes you feel good, just make smart choices and stay safe.
"Who You Are" - Jessie J: Anyone going to college or already in college has heard of the freshman fifteen. For me, the freshman fifteen hit me like a truck. I remember going into college feeling confident that it wouldn’t happen to me, and that I’d be able to avoid the weight gain. After one year, I realized that there’s no point denying it. Unless you live at the gym, you’re going to gain weight. Everyone does, and it’s nothing to lose sleep over. Jessie J perfectly depicts how essential it is to love yourself. College is all about learning more about who you are. If my freshman year taught me anything, it’s that the best thing you can do for yourself is to stop caring about the mirror, and just try your hardest to be the best person you can be.
"Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)" - Andy Grammar: Even on the worst of days, it’s important to remember that it’s simply good to be alive. This upbeat sound of this song never fails to put me in a good mood, and Andy Grammer never disappoints when it comes to catchy lyrics. Whether you’re at a party, chilling in your dorm alone, or hanging out with friends, this song is the perfect reminder to always enjoy life. Yes, that even means during finals week.
A Freshman Year Starter Pack: More Songs to Ease the Transition
It’s totally normal to experience some pre-university jitters before heading off to the place that’s going to be considered home for the next four years. Nothing can truly prepare us for settling into dorms and cruising around campus for the first time, but this playlist should help with handling some of the nervous excitement that comes with starting your freshman year.
Alessia Cara, “Here”: We’re still totally obsessed with this song. Conveniently, it sums up what can be described as the awkward dorm mixer. Being surrounded by unfamiliar people in an unfamiliar place can sometimes make you feel like you wish you weren’t there, or in this case, here.
Nick Jonas featuring Tove Lo, “Close”: This song perfectly captures the weird “sort of” relationships we encounter all the time in college. Dating in college is not like dating in high school, so prepare to be seriously confused for the rest of your life the next four years.
Kanye West featuring Syleena, “All Falls Down”: Take it from the College Dropout himself: sometimes things all fall down. Just trust that everything will be alright. You can always call ‘Ye to work out a solution. “Hey Kanye, I’m out of dining dollars…can you hook it up?”
Third Eye Blind, “Graduate”: For the freshman who’s already eager to walk across the stage and grab their diploma. Even though four years seems like a long time, it’s going to fly by. Take each day as it comes and remember that you might even have some fun. Or, you know, learn something.
Childish Gambino, “III. Telegraph Ave.”: In college, we experience a new kind of freedom. We’re away from our parents. Making new friends. All the rules are foreign. This song captures the free-fall feeling that comes with turning a new leaf.
Queen, “I Want to Break Free”: Saying goodbye to friends is hard but you’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. You deserve to celebrate your new life, Freddie Mercury style.
Vampire Weekend, “Campus”: College is about navigating your classes, but it’s also about navigating your new relationships. Vampire Weekend is the perfect soundtrack for cruising around campus and maybe, definitely, making eye contact with the cutie from your physics class.
The Head and the Heart, “Ghosts”: Looking to reinvent yourself? The Head and the Heart is familiar with the concept. “People say, ‘I knew you when you were 6 years old’ / and you say, ‘But I've changed, I've changed, I've changed, I've changed.’”
Selena Gomez, “Kill ‘Em with Kindness”: Making new friends at a new school can be downright terrifying sometimes. Just remember to channel the wise words of Sel and “kill ‘em with kindness.”
Nelly Furtado, “I’m Like a Bird”: Alright, this song might technically be about a break up - but it totally applies to leaving the nest, too. Consider this the cheesiest track on your playlist, but also the one you’ll want to belt out in your car.
The White Stripes, “We’re Going to Be Friends”: Excited for new notebooks, crisp jeans, and fall leaves? Jack White gets it. This happy-go-lucky tune is ideal for listening to on your earbuds while getting acquainted with your new campus.
Blink 182, “Going Away to College”: Saying goodbye to your high school or summer romance can be rough, but this song might ease the pain of saying goodbye to the one you left back home.
Coldplay, “Adventure of a Lifetime”: When finals get you stressed out and the dining hall runs out of your favorite pasta salad, let your motto be these sage words from Chris Martin: “Everything you want's a dream away / Under this pressure under this weight/ We are diamonds taking shape.”
Drake, “Started from the Bottom”: Aubrey Graham went from playing a secondary character on Degrassi to becoming Drake.
tags: #songs #about #freshman #year
