College is a tough time for some of us and it isn’t always easy to talk to someone about your difficulties. Luckily, we have a band who can give us some of the answers we seek: The Beatles. Yes, that’s right. The work of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr have given me a great deal of inspiration and enlightenment over the years and this has continued as I inch closer to the end of the second semester of college. So, now I’ve decided to share a few songs that could give you a helping hand in the good times, bad times and everything in between. Without further ado, here is my list of the 11 Beatles Songs Every College Student Should Learn to Love.

1. “All My Loving” from "With the Beatles"

I hate to start things off on a negative note, but it’s no secret that college is a place where relationships from back home go to die. However, this early Beatles track is there to tell you where your heart should be. In short, if you ever feel something for someone at college but have someone you’re still involved with in your hometown, put on “All My Loving” and then see how you feel.

2. “Can’t Buy Me Love” from "A Hard Day’s Night"

Picking a major is one of the toughest things to do in preparation for the college experience. One bit of advice we could pull from “Can’t Buy Me Love” is to pick a major that isn’t based around the monetary gains a certain trade may bring you. A more personally productive way of going about things is to choose a major that will make you happy and, ideally, a more love-filled work life will follow.

3. “Help!” from "Help!"

Lennon wrote this one as a literal cry for help, and while I wouldn’t wish anyone a fall this low, should you get to that point, it’s encouraging to know John Lennon was feeling the same way at one time. Not to mention, it’s a very peppy tune and so not only do you get assurance that you’re feelings are normal, you simultaneously get to tap your foot and bob your head.

4. “Nowhere Man” from "Rubber Soul"

“Nowhere Man” is another Lennon on Lennon song, and this one deals with, of course, identity. John once again comes on strong with wise words that encourage you to break from conformity. College is a time to grow as a person, and this song is an anthem for personal growth and experiencing the things all around you. As an aside, the harmonies here are a thing of beauty.

5. “Think For Yourself” from "Rubber Soul"

The title says it all. If you can’t think and act independently in college, you will not last too long. “Think For Yourself” is more of a cautionary tale than “Nowhere Man,” but a message of independence is consistent. The song also shows off the possible technology in the studio that is exposed through the use of fuzz bass, so it also serves as a little musical history lesson.

6. “In My Life” from "Rubber Soul"

“In My Life” has the special distinction of being my favorite song by the Beatles, and so you may think I listen to it a lot. In fact, it’s actually pretty rare that I give it a listen. I mostly save it for the most special moments in life, or when I need it the most. But enough about me… on one end, the song is deeply nostalgic, and so this song definitely fits if you’re ever missing home. On the other end, this song promotes the realization that you may be living in the best times of your life, and that knowledge is not something to take for granted. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll find your own meaning, but the point is that it is an essential listening experience.

7. “If I Needed Someone” from "Rubber Soul"

Here’s a song that would be an indie rock hit if it were released today. It’s buried on the album that dominates the list, but a sharp ear will be familiar with the modern sounds on display throughout the track. It’s not a party song, but you can fall asleep easy after a long day of class knowing this slick George Harrison tune is the last thing you hear.

8. “Good Day Sunshine” from "Revolver"

Say hello to your new wake-up song. A blaring alarm is tough to wake up to, but Paul’s tasteful work on “Good Day Sunshine” is easy listening. Its dual-function as a great stroll song makes it a must for the dreadful walk to that 8AM philosophy class. I promise, this song will brighten the dreariest morning, and put a hop in your step.

9. “Within You Without You” from "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band"

Lyrically, this song has similarities to “Can’t Buy Me Love,” but musically it’s as different as possible. Still, “Within You Without You” is a bashing of materialism, and is a great reality check for those same kids who can’t get over how amazing life is guaranteed to be once they get that Engineering degree. On top of that, I find the song to be a plea for peace, understanding and charity, giving it an added important air. Listen with caution, though, as many a mind has been blown by this one.

10. “Strawberry Fields Forever” from "Magical Mystery Tour"

“Strawberry Fields” is a song you probably will have already heard by the time you get to college. If you haven’t, this is a great time to get introduced to one of the greatest songs ever written. It’s another nostalgic song, but this one dabbles in feelings of loneliness and ignorance, which brings me to the line “Living is easy with eyes closed.” These are words to live by, especially when you meet a new classmate or learn something new in a class outside of your major.

11. “Here Comes The Sun” from "Abbey Road"

As winter snow melts away and the temperature rises, everyone will start to laugh and smile again. Listen to “Here Comes the Sun” when you see a football being thrown around, or you catch the smell of blooming flowers around campus. This song means spring is coming and the semester is almost over. Luckily we have this peaceful ballad to remind us that we’ve accomplished something and that the long, cold, lonely winter is coming to a close.

Honorable Mentions: “Things We Said Today” from "A Hard Day’s Night," “I’m Down” from "Past Masters, Volume One," “I’m Looking Through You” from "Rubber Soul," “She’s Leaving Home” from "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band," “All You Need Is Love” from "Magical Mystery Tour"