I am a study playlist aficionado. I listen to study playlists when I’m not even studying, because, let’s face it, they are the best things ever. Different study playlists work for different people, so it’s good to experiment with different types to find the ones that work best for you. I covered this topic briefly in my 5 Worst Study Mistakes post, but I wanted to elaborate on it further in a post of its own. Read on for my master list of favorite study playlists which are guaranteed to maximize your study efficiency!
The first thing you need to determine is whether you can handle lyrics in your study music or whether they are too distracting for you. If you’re unsure, a happy medium is music in a foreign language which gives you the lyrical aspect, without the temptation to sing along. I’ve organized these playlists by genre, and an * by the title indicates lyrical playlists.
Classical
Classical music is a study playlist staple. If it doesn’t make you feel like a sophisticated intellectual then I don’t know what will.
- Study for a minute – Modern classical.
- For the brave Gryffindor – Bring out your inner lion.
- Set fire to the pages – Lots of piano music, chill remixes (minor lyrics), and classical tunes to help you write your paper.
- Piano and coffee sadness – For weeping into your textbooks.
- Borrowed library – The perfect background music for literally anything.
Rock
Rock may not immediately come to mind when you think of studying playlists, but give it a try. These will keep you motivated for hours, and you’ll be humming them all day.
- Reminisce for a minute* – 50’s and 60’s oldies that will legit make you so happy.
- Rock and rolling* – Upbeat rock from the 50’s that will motivate you to get your life together.
- The unexpected* – Acoustic tunes.
- Simple but significant* – Classic rock icons that pump you for finals.
- Instrumental Rock Moods – Guitar rifts and drum solos to empower your soul.
Chill
These relaxed study playlist vibes will send you into a state of such calm, you might even relax about that test coming up.
- Swirling* – Chill remixed tracks for fans of ODESZA and Banks.
- Enjoy the ride* – Chill/trap with a ton of remixes. You’ll barely notice any lyrics.
- Chill homework* – Remixes for pop fans.
- Life’s a beach* – For those missing summer.
- Focused rhythm – Enter an almost meditative state with these trance sounds.
Throwback
These jams will remind you of your childhood in the best way possible. You’ll be having so much fun you wont even realize you’re studying!
- Throwbacks* – 90’s bliss.
- Happy* – Pleasant jazz tunes that make life better.
- Childhood throwbacks* – Just don’t tell anyone you’re listening to Radio Disney circa 2004.
- Stop wishing, start doing – Disney instrumentals. Prepare tissues.
Foreign
Sometimes you just need to feel like you’re in a Paris coffeehouse, right? These tracks will help you feel a thousand miles away, without the plane ticket. All of these are marked as not having lyrics, but obviously if you speak any of the languages included then that may not apply for you.
- Morning coffee – Daily dose of French.
- Where you’d like to be – Impress your friends with how cultural you are.
- Mosaicos de sonoras – Spain, anyone?
- Studio Ghibli Medley – Sorta like a lullaby, sorta haunting.
Ambient
These are sounds, not songs. They transport you to the most fantastic study locations ever. Forget the library, we’re talking Hogwarts and beyond.
- Gryffindor common room – The ruffling of pages and a crackling fire.
- The perfect storm – For anyone who prefers a rainy day.
- Fantasy pub/tavern – A little chaos, a lot of coziness.
- The Slytherin Common Room – If you listen closely enough, you can hear the giant squid.
There you have it, all my studying go-to playlists! You should be set for life now! Or at least the rest of the semester. What music do you listen to when you study?
