As colleges around the country are barreling towards finals week, libraries, book stores and Starbucks locations all across the country will be filling up with students. They will either have their noses stuck in books, 1000 tabs open on their laptops with tutorial videos for chemistry problems or have Microsoft Word open as they crank out a ten page paper they should have done two weeks ago.

No matter what their major is, many students find it greatly helpful to listen to music while they study. I am one of those who needs music to help me focus. I have compiled a list of my favorite bands to listen to while I study!

1. The Head and the Heart

The Head and the Heart is one of my favorite bands. They are an Indie band, and their music is folky. For some slower songs, you could listen to Rivers and Roads, Cruel and Let's Be Still. For something a little faster and more energetic, Shake, Sounds Like Hallelujah and Lost in My Mind are what you want to choose. Either way, you can't go wrong with them on your study playlist!

2. The Last Bison

Another band that plays Indie-style music. Last Bison uses a vast array of instruments from a piano to a mandolin to a fiddle. A lot of their songs tell a story, so if you are easily distracted by lyrics, they aren't your best choice. If you aren't, then you can't go wrong with them.

3. Trampled by Turtles

This music is very country, and uses a lot of banjo. If you are easily distracted by lyrics, they are a good choice! A lot of their music is instrumental. And hey, they have a super fun name!

4. The Oh Hellos

This group is similar to the Head and the Heart. They mostly sing slower songs, so if you are sleepy they might not help you stay awake. However, if you are stressing out about that Accounting exam, they will definitely help you calm your nerves.

5. Fleet Foxes

While their song White Winter Hymnal has gained a lot of popularity, their other songs are really good too! Their work is very mystical at times, and might even make you feel like you're in Narnia (Blue Ridge Mountains is the song I'm referring to here!).

6. The Black Keys

This band takes a turn from the indie/folk norm of my studying music. This group is extremely soulful. The lead singer's voice is that kind of hoarse/raspiness that I personally love so much, and the accompaniment is very easy-going yet filled with emotion. If you've never heard any of their music, you need to! Their music is possibly my favorite to study to, so you should try them out!

7. The Vocal Few

This husband and wife duo are literally goals. They travel around in their van making and recording their own, original songs. They have some very folky stuff, and their harmonies are amazing. Do yourself a favor and add them to your study playlist!

There are so many more bands I can list and I'm sure you could add! These are my favorites, and the ones that help me get the most done! I hope you enjoyed reading this!

Best of luck with your studying!