Moving into college was an incredibly difficult thing for me. Aside from leaving all my friends in the various places they were off to, I was leaving the place I called home for all 18 years of my life. Throughout those 18 years, I’ve learned that even if you feel alone, you’re not. There’s always someone who has felt how you feel before, and if you’re lucky enough, they made a song about it. So, as I made my way into my freshman year, these were a few songs that kept me going and lead me to back to my roots.

In no particular order...

1. Home- Gabrielle Aplin

“ 'Cause they say home is where your heart is set in stone
It’s where you go when you're alone
It’s where you go to rest your bones”

This song has reminded me that no matter where I am, my heart is back home. Even when times are rough, my heart will lead me back to where I need to be.

2. Missing You- All Time Low

“Hold on tight,
This ride is a wild one”

Sometimes we all need a reminder that even though things are tough, we just have to hold on and we can make it through. If you don't think you can do it on your own, there's sure to be a friend near to help you through it.

3. See You Again- Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth

“So let the light guide your way
Hold every memory as you go
And every road you take, will always lead you home
It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again”

While I know a lot of this song is referencing losing someone in your life, it had another special meaning to me. Eventually, the road you take will lead you home. Not only that, your life doesn’t need to stop when you say goodbye. You can tell your friends and family all about your life and the things they weren’t there to see, the next time you see them.

4. Hallelujah- Panic! At The Disco

“All you sinners stand up, sing hallelujah
Show praise with your body
Stand up, sing hallelujah
And if you can't stop shaking, lean back
Let it move right through ya
Say your prayers”
“Then the time for being sad is over
And you miss 'em like you miss no other
And being blue is better than being over it”

The meaning of this song is really just that you need to be able to own up to your so-called “sins.” I think going into college this was a good reminder that all of my past decisions are a part of me now but I can take responsibility for them and not let them rule my life. If you take responsibility for your actions everything else will fall into place around you.

5. Fight Song- Rachel Platten

“Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion”

These words specifically were really powerful to me. Even though I’m just starting out in the world and I have little to give, I am capable of so much. Even if there is no one else to believe in me, I’ve got myself and I can do anything I set my mind to.

6. Dream Catcher- Set It Off

“Cast your net, cast it out
And I hope to god you'll scream and shout
It's everything you want and maybe more!
Does it seem out of reach?
Hit the ground and run with both your feet
Here's a lesson I hope to teach
Believe you'll be a dream catcher
Please believe you'll be a dream catcher”

This song helped me through not only my first semester, but rough patches in high school, as well. Sometimes we forget to believe in ourselves. If you have a dream, you are capable of “catching” it. If you set your mind to it, you truly can do it.

7. Barefoot and Bruised- Jamestown Story

“Maybe when your sky comes crashing down
I can be your angel on the ground
If you get tired and can’t go on
I will carry you along
When the rocks below your feet wear out your shoes
When you’re barefoot and bruised”

In our hardest times we often look to our friends. This song has always made me feel that even when I am at my absolute worst, I have friends there who are willing to pick me up and carry me until I can go on my own again.

8. Never Be Alone- Shawn Mendes

“Take a piece of my heart
And make it all your own
So when we are apart
You'll never be alone”

Remember that even when you move or are in a new place, you have pieces of everyone you love with you. Even if you feel like you’re completely alone, you’re far from it.

9. Yours Truly- Paradise Fears

“But my one wish for you is that you find yourself
Don't settle for less or for anyone else
I pray that you dream like the dreamer I know you can be
Signed, Yours Truly”

When you go off to college, it’s where you’re supposed to “find yourself.” This song has always been a reminder to be true to myself and don’t settle for what someone else wants.

10. Stressed Out- Twenty One Pilots

“Wish we could turn back time, to the good ol' days,
When our momma sang us to sleep but now we're stressed out.”

College is an incredibly stressing time for students. This song gives me a little reassurance that I’m not the only one who wishes I could go back to a simpler time.

I hope that even if you're just going through a hard time, these songs do a little something for you. If they don't help, just remember that you are never alone in this world, even if you feel as if you are.

Here's to another semester and a fresh start!