Illustration by Emma McAdams

Welcome back playlist

Published August 24, 2023

A go-to welcome-back playlist

By Alicia Szczesniak | For The Post

Moving back to college (or moving in for the first time, for many) brings on a bout of emotions, which can be mitigated through music. We’ve collected some songs that can accurately describe your experiences going to school or just provide a soundtrack to daily life at the beginning of the year.

‘Getting Started’ - Sam Fender

Getting Started” by Sam Fender perfectly encapsulates the spirit of starting the year on campus. An upbeat rock song about facing hardships and coming out on top, all while trying to prove yourself, it feels like an anthem for a hardworking college student eager to prove themselves and show people what they’re really made of.

‘Campus’ - Vampire Weekend

The name of the song is literally "Campus.” I just couldn’t resist.

‘New Kid in Town’ - Eagles

When you reach campus, it can feel like everyone already knows each other. You are quite literally the new kid in town, but you’ve got something to prove. You’re excited to meet new people, and you aren’t quite sure what lies ahead in all of your relationships. But, that’s the fun of it, as this Eagles song highlights.

‘Junior Varsity’ - Dayglow

In the excitement of leaving for college, sometimes you forget the things you’re leaving behind. Your childhood, your friends from home and all of your memories from high school. That’s why Dayglow’s soulful “Junior Varsity” might touch a nerve for incoming freshmen about to embark on their college journey, as it highlights the feeling of being “in the real world now” and “that change coming around.”

‘Youth’ - Glass Animals

“Youth” acts as a letter from a parent to a growing child, encouraging them to embrace their young life and the new friends they will make, which often hits close to home for college students who have to leave home and move far away from their parents to get to school.

‘Vienna’ - Billy Joel

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of college life. But, with college comes inevitable stress. Academics, friendship and oftentimes work, all catch up with students very quickly, leaving them overwhelmed by the stresses of life. “Vienna” serves as a reminder that you’re doing fine, and taking it easy every once in a while isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

‘Young Dumb & Broke’ - Khalid

Okay, you might not be “young dumb broke high school kids” anymore, but I’m willing to bet that you’re young and you don’t have a ton of money either (hey, tuition is expensive). But, that’s beside the point. The point of the song is about embracing youth and having fun while you’re young, which is one of the best parts of college.

‘Doses & Mimosas’ - Cherub

There’s not really much of a sentimental meaning for this song, it’s really just become associated with college parties as an anthem for good times.

AUTHOR: ALICIA SZCZESNIAK
EDITOR: GRACE KOENNECKE
COPY EDITOR: ADDIE HEDGES
ILLUSTRATION: EMMA MCADAMS
WEB DEVELOPMENT: TAVIER LESLIE