School's back in session, along with some inevitable things. Something I hear high school students complain about – almost as much as homework – is riding the bus to and from school. If you are like me and have a 30-minute bus ride, it can get a little boring. Even if you're driving to school or work, you could have a long commute and need some entertainment.

So here's a playlist of back-to-school music that gets me ready to face the wild halls and judgmental teachers of high school.

1. "Lost Boy" by Ruth B

This song is about an outsider finding a home. It gives hope that anyone who feels like an outcast will find a place where they truly feel like they belong, or if you feel like you don’t fit in with your colleagues at work. It's also a slow peaceful song that can make a car ride relaxing, especially if there's traffic. It is a good song to read a book to, if you are riding the bus, and it's also fun to sing along to because it can be an inspirational way to start off the day.

2. "Cocoa Butter Kisses" by Chance the Rapper

This song is one of my personal favorites on the list. It has a good beat to it and is perfect if you like old-school type of rap music. There are other good songs by Chance the Rapper which are not on this playlist, like "Sunday Candy." When you are doing the last finishing touches of your homework on the bus, turn this on to make it more fun to jam and cram.

3. "Permanent Vacation" by 5 Seconds of Summer

If 5 Seconds of Summer can’t pump you up for the day, I don’t know what will. A song about jobs being overrated and being unmotivated is a surprisingly good way to enthuse you for the day. What better thought than a permanent vacation, even if it does imply dropping out of school and quitting your job. Fun songs about government failure and the new generation are always a good mix. This fast rhythm will wake up in the morning.

4. "Crazy Equals Genius"

This song always gives me an "Alice in Wonderland" and Tim Burton kind of vibe. If school or work is driving you crazy, then embrace the madness, because only the best people are. Singing along to this song makes you proud to be you, even if it could get you some looks on the bus. This song is for the weird and proud because to be a genius you might have to go a little crazy.

5. "Sweatpants" by Childish Gambino

I know not a lot of people are fans of modern rap music. Even so, this song's message about loving oneself and not having time for “haters” is a great way to start the day. School can be very competitive, so this song can empower you to face that atmosphere or any judgment through the day.

6. "Throne" by Truitt

This playlist includes a lot of songs that empower you. This song in particular focuses on not needing anyone be whole. If you've ever faced a breakup or been fired or faced any type of rejection, this song will remind you that you are worth it, no matter what. Nothing gives you your value – you’re born with it.

7. "Suck for Pain" by Imagine Dragons, Lil Wayne Wiz Khalifa

This song has the rhythm to wake you up and the beat to make you strut down the hallway later once it gets stuck in your head. This is a good thing. Having a fun song stuck in your head can make doing work at least a little more fun.

8. "Sun Shy" by Dresses

Are you a morning person? If not, this may be your song. It's hard to get out of the sleep-all-day and watch-Netflix-all-night mindset, but since school does not accommodate night owls, you will have to get your sleep schedule back in check.

9. "Hell No’s and Headphones"

Crowded buses and traffic can make you wish you never left the house. At least when you have your headphones or radio on to drown out the noise, you can imagine you’re in a new world. "Hell No's and Headphones" understands that sometimes, you just need to be in your own world and drown out the world.

10. "You Get What You Give" by The Radicals

The world can seem crazy sometimes, and you could wonder what’s the point of getting out of bed. These inspirational lyrics will help you get up and face the day. The ride to school gives you a lot of time to contemplate all the reasons why you have to do things this early, so good thing you have this song to count all the good things in life.

11. "The Middle" by Jimmy Eats World

Even though this is an old song from 2001, its message still remains prevalent to this day. Do you ever worry that you're annoying and everyone secretly hates you? Or do you feel like an outsider looking in? Most people do, and it's all in your head. This song knows that. You are not alone.

12. "Heathens" by Twenty-One Pilots

Hey, this song might be overplayed on the radio, but it's still good. Look around you the next time you ride the bus. Do you truly know the people sitting around you? Who knows how the kid beating your seat with the drumsticks may turn out 10 years from now – might be the next Ringo Starr. And no one really knows you either. Just something to think about next time you see your fellow peers.

I hope this playlist gives you the drive you need to make it through the day, not just the commute, and maybe it will inspire you to make a playlist of your own.