By: Gabi Abramovitch
Leaving for college is intimidating; even if you’re excited for this new chapter, you can’t help but question the future. Will I make new friends? Will I lose my old ones? How am I going to handle this? It can be such a lonely and terrifying feeling, but don’t worry! You truly are not alone, and these five songs capture the many emotions that arise when going to college. Music is up to interpretation and can give us a nod of community when we are struggling to find it.
“Brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo
In the first two weeks, it feels like everyone has found their group except for you. Instagram stories are filled with twenty girls hanging out, Snapchat shows people laughing with friends, and you’re still trying to remember the name of the girl you saw in math class. Olivia Rodrigo’s song, “Brutal,” delves into the feeling of comparison and competition that comes with starting over. Trying to find yourself and new friends at the same time is quite the feat. Rodrigo aligns the fear of loneliness with the anger of wanting to find comfort in a new home.
“And I hate the way I’m perceived
I only have two real friends
And lately, I’m a nervous wreck”
“Carry On” by Fun.
Leaning into the playfulness of a new beginning, “Carry on” by Fun. connects the idea of failure being a part of the process. Starting over at college does not mean letting go of all you love and know. You will always be who you once were. However, now there is the opportunity to evolve and become a new version of yourself. Change will have dips and bends, but in the end, you will have survived and come out stronger because of it.
Lyric Highlight:
“May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground
Carry on”
“You’re On Your Own, Kid” by Taylor Swift
Newfound freedom is a huge perk of college life for many students, for others, it is one of the most daunting aspects. When living at home, everything is familiar: your barista’s name, what your parents are going to make for dinner, when your friend can come over. At college, it is brand new. If something goes wrong, you can call your Mom, but you can’t hug her. This responsibility is a necessary step to take to continue developing as an individual, however scary it may feel. Swift’s “You’re On Your Own, Kid” highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and simply doing it alone.
“So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it
You’ve got no reason to be afraid”
“Slipping Through My Fingers” by ABBA
ABBA’s classic growing up song from the opposite perspective. Whether you first cried to this song while watching “Mamma Mia,” or you were introduced to it by a grandparent, there is no denying its heartfelt sentiment. As difficult as it is to leave, being left can feel just as hard. Slipping Through My Fingers takes you on a journey through growing up.
Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture
And save it from the funny tricks of time
“Vienna” by Billy Joel
Billy Joel has the skill of capturing emotion in a way that is so rare in today’s music. “Vienna” is a story of hope for the future, the knowledge that you are going to get to where you want to be. We’re so used to hearing, “Life is so short!” but this song reminds you to take in each day as it is and remember how much time you truly do have.
“Slow down you’re doing fine
You can’t be everything you want to be before your time”
Honorable Mentions
- Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift
- You’re Gonna Go Far by Noah Kahan
- Don’t Throw out my Legos by AJR
- Sleep On The Floor by the Lumineers
- Remember You by Miley Cyrus
The only thing scarier than starting over is feeling alone while doing it. If you find yourself caught up in the anxiety of starting college in a new place, turn on these songs and let the music wrap you in a hug of understanding. It’s only going up from here, happy first semester, and welcome home Baby Buckeyes!