For all those high school seniors out there who have now officially committed: it’s starting to feel real, right? You’re really doing it. You’re really about to go off to college! Congrats! When I went to college, I was moving for the first time in my life. I was going out of state from Georgia to Texas. I was the only person from my high school to go to SMU. Suffice it to say I was a little nervous. I made a playlist that summer of songs that in some way captured what I was going through. So if you’re nervous, or even if you’re just excited and ready, here are ten songs to get you through.
1. “Go On” by Jack Johnson
“What is the purpose of my life if it doesn’t have to do with learning to let it go and live vicariously through you?”
This sounds to me exactly like a parent’s perspective as their kid leaves for college. It’s a really beautiful and poignant song that’ll make you call your dad.
2. “Guns Out” by Young the Giant
“Just tell me that we are going somewhere where the stars meet the sky, and all these people with small dreams are looking up at the big screen.”
College makes you feel both small and big. You’re one of many people following your dreams, but it’s kind of cool to be part of such a big community that are all simultaneously striving for growth.
3. “The Wild Hunt” by The Tallest Man on Earth
“I plan to be forgotten when I’m gone. And I’ll be leaving in the fall.”
Besides the obvious nod to the season, this song makes you feel like a part of the universe: like you’re small but in a good way. Just remember, this is all part of the process. A lot of people have survived college and you will too.
4. “Alone” by Trampled by Turtles
“You come into the world, alone. You go out of the world, alone.”
I felt pretty lonely when I moved away from my parents. This song really encapsulates that isolation, but then ends on a motivational note, reminding you that you’re going to fight through the loneliness!
5. “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons
“It’s time to begin, isn’t it? I get a little bit bigger but then I’ll admit, I’m just the same as I was.”
I’m such a sap. This song always makes me tear up because our chorus sang it at graduation. I think it really accurately represents all the hope and excitement about college! It’s exhilarating - like you’re about to jump off a cliff!
6. “Ghosts” by The Head and the Heart
“Is it any wonder why we all leave home? People say I knew you when you were six years old and you say but I’ve changed, I’ve changed, I’ve changed, I’ve changed.”
Sometimes you are way ready to leave home and recreate yourself. If so, this song is your new anthem.
7. “Mudfootball” by Jack Johnson
“We used to laugh a lot, but only because we thought that everything good always would remain. Nothing’s gonna change, there’s no need to complain.”
If you can’t already tell, I’m a huge Jack Johnson fan. But besides this song being by my favorite artist, I think it captures that feeling after you’ve gotten a little more comfortable in college and you look back at your high school days. Nostalgia mixed with chagrin.
8. “Five and Dime” by Joshua Radin
“He says take me back to a time I knew before. Before I opened my eyes and knew I wanted more.”
Ok, maybe I have more nostalgia than the average bear. I had a great experience in high school! But this song reminds me that I only loved it so much because I hadn’t realized that I wanted more. It was great while it lasted, but it’s impossible to go back to wanting high school after you’ve experienced college.
9. “Pictures of You” by The Last Goodnight
“Pictures of you, pictures of me hung up on your wall for the world to see. Pictures of you, pictures of me remind us all of what we used to be.”
There will be lots of pictures taken, trust me. But that’s so you can remind yourself how far you’ve come later on! Looking back on your first day of school picture at the end of freshmen year will be such fun. You’ll already feel like a completely different person.
10. “Go Do” by Jonsi
“We should always know that we can do everything. Go do!”
I admit, these lyrics are a little bit hard to hear since this guy is Swedish and not enunciating, but they’re really beautiful if you can discern them. This song makes you feel ready to take on the world! End on a good note; play this song last and feel inspired for your journey ahead.
