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4 Essential Music Playlists for College Students

If you want to make the most out of your studies, be sure to tune in to one of these playlists next time you need to get a study session in!
Post Date: 
Monday, February 20, 2023

Have you ever been in a situation where you’re studying for an exam and just can’t seem to focus? Well, there is one solution that may be able to help you regain your concentration while also boosting your mood — music! Believe it or not, music can actually help you concentrate while studying or working. In fact, listening to music offers many benefits including lowering levels of anxiety, raising levels of energy, and enhancing motivation. So get ready to open your books and turn up the tunes. 

4 Essential music playlists for studying

While certain types of music can make studying easier, others can be distracting and lower your overall productivity. The type of music you decide to put on makes a huge difference when using a playlist as a study tool. Fortunately, there are some great options for you to choose next time you need to hit the books. Check out these essential college music playlists to help you focus on your course materials.  

1) Instrumental study playlist

When it comes to songs for studying, instrumental music may be the most popular as many people find songs with lyrics to be distracting. Because it’s only natural to sing along with songs you enjoy, music with lyrics can hamper your productivity. Listening to instrumental music will help improve your focus on the task you're trying to accomplish. There are different types of instrumental music — listen to a few different themes to see which one(s) you enjoy the most. Remember, classical is not the only type of instrumental music. Instrumental music can include hip hop, pop, and rock music. 

Spotify: Instrumental Study Music Playlist

Amazon Music: Instrumental Covers For Work Playlist

Apple Music: Instrumental Study Music Playlist

2) Good vibes study playlist

If you're not interested in listening to instrumental music while you're studying, try listening to some calming good vibes. While these playlists are a little more upbeat than instrumental, music such as lo-fi is often associated with feelings of concentration and relaxation. When assignment deadlines start creeping up, good vibes and lo-fi can assist in easing some of your anxiety and help you stay engaged by making study sessions more lively. 

Spotify: Cool Studying Mix

Amazon Music: Feel-Good Classic Hits Playlist

Apple Music: Good Vibes Playlist

3) Piano study playlist

You can never go wrong with the soothing sound of a piano. Piano playlists feature music from a myriad of genres — anything from relaxing rap songs to rhythm and blues can be played with just a piano. Listening to piano music may also have a calming effect which can help decrease stress and improve your mood. 

Spotify: Piano Study Playlist

Amazon Music: Classical Study Music Playlist

Apple Music: Deep Focus: Piano Study Playlist

4) NJIT's study vibe playlist

Sometimes the best study music is popular hits that you know and love. NJIT's study vibe playlist is full of classic songs that will keep you motivated and focused for your entire study session. There are songs for everyone — before you know it, you'll have gone through all your course material and be ready to crush your exam.

Turn on the tunes and start studying

While studying may not be your favorite thing to do, it doesn’t have to be done in silence. Music can capture your brain in a way that makes focusing on a specific task much easier. If these playlists aren’t your style, you can always come up with a few of your own. Get creative and try a few different types of music to see what helps you concentrate the most. Having a designated study playlist can create the perfect study environment to help improve your academic success!

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