Your Soundtrack to Ace Finals
As finals week approaches, it's essential to find the right soundtrack to stay focused, calm, and remain energized. The right music can decrease testing anxiety, enhance concentration, and even help with motivation while preparing for those big exams. Whether students are interacting with analytical or creative subjects, here's how to optimize study time with curated playlists for every type of study session.
For deep-focus study sessions:
Ambient Noise:
- Coffee Shop Ambiance: The low hum of conversation and background noise can help with concentration, and this ambient coffee shop music is perfect for just that. Lo-fi beats mixed with the distant chatter and clinking of coffee cups can simulate a productive coffee shop atmosphere.
- Fireplace Ambiance: Cozy up to the calming sound of crackling wood with ambient piano. This combo works well if seeking a more relaxed vibe during study sessions, and the crackling fire adds a comforting, homey feeling. Ambiance is great for more relaxed study sessions or reviewing notes without feeling too overwhelmed.
- Focus Frequency: Binaural beats and singing bowls can increase focus and concentration. These frequencies, often around 14-40 Hz, help synchronize brain waves, improving cognitive performance. This is especially helpful for deep studying subjects like math, physics, or computer science, where attention to detail is key.
Nature Sounds:
- Rainforest with Birds Chirping: Perfect for students who want a peaceful, nature-inspired environment to study. The ambient sound of a gentle rain with distant birds provides subtle background noise to drown out distractions, helping students stay immersed in a steady workflow.
- Stream Trickling: The sound of a stream brings tranquility that calms the nerves and aids in memory retention. Gentle, soothing, and low-frequency sounds can be perfect for getting into the groove of a study session.
- Thunderstorm: A classic choice for those who enjoy a deeper, more intense atmosphere. The rhythmic nature of rain and thunder helps induce a flow state, keeping the mind engaged and in the zone. Great for tackling tough problem sets or preparing for a lengthy exam.
- Ocean Waves: Ocean waves improve focus and create a meditative state. It's ideal for longer study sessions where students must maintain concentration without feeling drained. The repetition of the waves can also mimic a "white noise" effect, keeping distractions at a minimum.
When working on more creative assignments—like writing essays, brainstorming, or making art—familiar melodies can often enhance one’s mood and fuel creativity. Here are a few musical options that match the holiday vibe:
Instrumental Soundtracks:
- Charlie Brown Christmas: Cozy, nostalgic, and inspiring. The smooth jazz and classical undertones are perfect for getting into a creative mindset. Whether writing a paper or working on an art project, this soundtrack helps students relax while staying productive.
- Nutcracker Soundtrack: Tchaikovsky’s music is both uplifting and energizing. The melodies can help students enter a creative flow for writing, drawing, or even brainstorming new ideas. Orchestral music also boosts concentration during those longer writing or artistic sessions.
- Holiday Piano: Holiday piano versions of classic songs create a peaceful atmosphere without being distracting. Perfect for creative writing, art, or projects that need a softer background tone.
For Finals Hype:
Done studying? Now, it’s time to get hyped before the exam. Feeling a bit anxious or need that extra boost of confidence? These songs will remind you that you've got this! We asked students what their pre-exam hype anthem is. We got some great answers along with some personal favorites that you can find in this playlist curated with UIC students in mind! These high-energy tracks will pump up and boost your mood just before heading into your exam.
POV: you're on the way to an exam
Post-Exam Wind Down:
Once done with exams and winter break begins, it’s time to relax and unwind. Whether spending the holidays with family, exploring the winter festivities in Chicago, or just chilling out, here are a few tracks to help you transition into relaxation mode.
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As the weather gets colder and students finally have time to relax, take some time to savor the season. Whether braving the cold to enjoy Chicago's winter festivities or staying cozy inside, the right playlist can make all the difference. Here's to a successful finals week and a well-deserved winter break!