Back To School Songs: Students Reveal End Of Summer Soundtrack

Almost everyone is stoked when summertime rolls around each year, and that usually goes double for college students.

Exams are finished, papers are written, presentations have been delivered, and all that's in front of you is a few months of rest, relaxation, vacation, and vegetation (of the couch-potato variety). But on the flip side of the season, the feelings we experience as we transition back into fall, and by extension the school year, are generally a bit more complex.

Each student views the coming school year through a different lens, their feelings informed by everything from how they left things with their roommates and teachers the previous year, to what they may have accomplished during the summer months, to their excitement (or sometimes lack thereof) for the future as they start the next phase of their scholastic career.

Music is there for us whenever we try to examine and unpack our most complex feelings. The words and melodies written by our favorite artists have the power to strengthen and embolden us, comfort or console, or just let us know that someone else understands.

We asked a group of our most active GRAMMY U students to bottle their feelings in song as they return to school for the 2017–2018 year. Here are the 19 tracks they picked — take a listen, take a read, and take some time to reflect on where your head is at as the summer draws to a close.

"Run," Foo Fighters

This new single from the Foo Fighters has been on my playlists all summer. With lyrics like "In another perfect light/we run," that seem to be reminiscing on better summer days, and lyrics that are more forward looking like "We are the nation's stakes/ if everything's erased/what you gonna do?" the song sounds like a classic Foo Fighters jam, which is always helpful for getting me ready to go to class. — Christina F., Seattle University, class of 2018

"Get It," Kaleb Mitchell

This song describes my motivation for this year and how I want to excel in everything I do. It gives me motivation that, though one may be looked at as the underdog, it is possible to still come out victorious. — Wande I., University of Texas at Austin, Class of 2018

"Young, Dumb & Broke," Khalid

As a second-year law student, everyone is rushing to plan the next two years of their lives in two weeks instead of realizing that life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. We have the rest of our lives to plan our careers, so there is time to enjoy the journey. — Honor W., Howard University School of Law, class of 2019

"Blood & Tears," Joseph

As I'm heading into my senior year, I've spent time reflecting on my time in college, and I truly feel I have put blood and tears into finishing my degree. However, like this song implies, it wasn't easy, but I'm going to finish strong! — Meredith W., Dallas Baptist University, class of 2018

"DNA.," Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar's "DNA." is a confidence booster, and a bold reminder of how limitless the future is when you tap into what's already inside of you and focus on that end goal. — Brandon T., Full Sail University, class of 2017

"Obsession (25/7)," Vice feat. Jon Bellion & Kylie

Not wasting any time, the beat creates an instant vibe that refuses to let you to sit still. The rhythmic high-pitched sounds throughout this song work as a funky humming bird serenading your ear. And with Jon Bellion's smooth vocals leading the verses, by the chorus you're in it! The crazy pallet of sounds used and strong synths immediately hypnotize your body, leaving you with uncontrollable movement. This hit song just exudes happiness and joy; a great way to start off the school year! — Medhan A., Columbia College Chicago, class of fall 2017

"ABC," Jackson 5

It helps me remember that everything can be as easy as 123, and as simple as do re mi, especially as a music student. — Oliver R., California State University, Northridge, class of 2018

"There For You," Martin Garrix feat. Troye Sivan

The song is bittersweet and has a centralized idea around the trust between one person to another. I see the song as my trust toward my school, and the emotions that come with friends, finals, and new experiences that come with each new year. — Marc G., Seattle University, class of 2019

"Unforgettable," French Montana feat. Swae Lee

Going into my last semester of school, I think of how unforgettable my time at Columbia College has been, and how I've grown to be the person I am today. It also has such a summer vibe, I've been listening to this song every day since it came out. — Nicole H., Columbia College Chicago, class of 2018

"Another Day Of Sun," from La La Land

This song is about chasing your dreams, because there is really no other thing you want to or could possibly do, but also a reminder that "when they let you down" there is a new mercy each morning. I'm excited to "chase all the lights that shine" this school year, as the new year offers a clean slate to have yet another day of sun. — Kenady S., Dallas Baptist University, class of 2018

"Malibu 1992," COIN

This song encapsulates the reminiscence and longing one can have for something/someone, and it relates to how I feel moving on from this summer and going back to school. I am excited for what is ahead of me, but I know I will be nostalgic for the simplicity and memories of this past summer. — Saloni J., DePaul University, class of 2020

"Hard Times," Paramore

Lyrically, the song perfectly describes the majority of college students' mindset midway through a semester. Ironically, the song's dynamic is very upbeat. I like to think that, despite the hardships that academics may bring, there's an acceptance that academics will be difficult, but we may push through and strive if we choose to. — Maxwell Y., Texas State University, class of 2018

"The Queen," Lady Gaga

This song captures my excitement to take on new challenges and helps me unleash the confidence I need to take on my new classes and upcoming performances/showcases! When I'm feeling stressed out, I'll remember I can be the queen that's inside of me! — Kira M., Los Angeles College of Music, class of 2018

"2U," David Guetta feat. Justin Bieber

Above all, this song is about devotion, and if I have learned anything about college or the music industry, it is that there is truly no limit to what you can achieve if you commit fully in body, mind, passion, and honesty. — Lucky B., Musicians Institute, class of 2018

"Glorious," Macklemore feat. Skylar Grey

After a semester of studying abroad, I cannot wait to get back to school, and back to GRAMMY U! This song captures my excitement about the upcoming school year, and how motivated I'm feeling for another great year. — Gabrielle R., George Washington University, class of 2018

"Wish (Komm Zu Mir),” Thomas D. feat. Franka Potente

The song is a soundtrack from Run Lola Run, a movie in which the protagonist runs relentlessly to subvert fate. I'm starting my final year in college, and this song helps prepare me for an extremely hectic semester. — Evie W., Agnes Scott College, class of 2018

"Molasses," Hiatus Kaiyote

The song describes a person who doesn't know their future, but they stay fearless regardless. It's something I resonate with at the beginning of a crazy last year. — Bria D., Pepperdine University, class of 2018

"Bellyache," Billie Eilish

My college experience has been rather underwhelming as far as knowledge and growth are concerned … my classes haven't pushed me much, so most of my time is spent teaching myself how to grow as an artist based upon real world experiences. I chose this song because it embodies how psychotic school makes me feel. — Butch "OddKidOut" S., Drexel University, class of 2018

"The Future," San Holo feat. James Vincent McMorrow

We all think wayyy too much about our careers and where we are headed in the future. Stop thinking so much about the future and be present in the now. — Janette B., master's student, University of Miami, class of 2018

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