We all know and love her. Bey has become the embodiment of self-confidence for our generation. You and I both know, during finals, you need all the self-confidence you can get. When the end is near, after many all-nighters, with zeromotivation to make it out of your pajamas, let alone brush your teeth, never fear - these Beyoncé tracks, past and present, will get you hair-flipping and booty-shaking all the way to your 8:10 macroeconomics exam. I mean, when life gives you lemons...
1. "Flawless" | Album: Beyoncé
' wake up... flawless, post up... flawless'
Why? Because maybe if you keep singing it, eventually you might even believe it. Either way, put your hood up, headphones on and strut into that library like you mean business.
2. "Schoolin' Life" | Album: 4
'this is for them bitter somethings... stop living in regret, baby, it's not over yet'
Why? OK, it's that dreaded moment when you realize you should have started studying a lot earlier than you did. However, there's no point in bullying yourself into a sobbing mess, pick yourself up and cram like there's no tomorrow. It worked for the SATs why can't it work now. Worst comes to worst, you fail the exam - "who needs a degree when you're schoolin' life" - right?! Actually, let's not think about the last part.
3. "Survivor" | Album: Survivor
'thought that I would self-destruct, but I'm still here'
Why? If you ever needed a song about finals week survival, here you have it..."Survivor." Early 2000s girl band sass with lyrics to match are all you need to kick some academic butt. Note, camouflage crop tops and headbands are not optional for full survival effect - you have been warned.
3. "7/1" | Album: Beyoncé
'clap, clap, clap, like you don't care'
Why? Sometimes you're just done. No, not done with finals - you still have three more grueling exams and a paper to write - you're done with studying in general and need to let off some steam. So grab some of your feistiest friends, turn your speakers up and move those legs from side-to-side while spinning with your hands up, for a much-needed study break.
4. "Bootylicious" | Album: Survivor
'I don't think you're ready for this jelly
Why? I think we can all agree that one of the best feelings you can have is when you've studied all week, you genuinely know your stuff and you are ready for anything your professor wants to throw at you. When your friends ask you if you're ready for the exam, but, the real question is if the exam is ready for you.
5. "Party" | Album: 4
'cause we like to party'
Why? When your final exam is over and you swing open the front doors, but outside smells slightly different. What's that smell? FREEDOM. Summer is finally here, so go return those textbooks and dance away into the night like the college student you are.
