Everyone needs an outlet. Whether you're an introvert, extrovert or somewhere in between, being around others constantly becomes draining. This is especially true for freshman college students who are surrounded by nothing but people yelling and running from room to room. I find that sometimes I need a break from the dorms simply because the constant excitement in the halls exhausts me.

After a long day of school and friends, I find comfort in putting in the headphones, turning up the music and just wandering around campus. If it's after dark, I lay on the dorm hall deck, staring up at the sky saying nothing. Below is an array of songs I cycle through depending on my mood — wistful, content, nostalgic, sad, introspective. Personally, I think everyone should keep mood playlists because you never know when you'll need a break.

1. Knocking On Heaven's Door (Cover) - RAIGN

For people in a serene, far away mood, this slow rendition of Guns N' Roses "Knocking on Heaven's Door" is perfect. The lead singer's voice takes on an ethereal quality that leaves you absolutely entranced.

2. Cough Syrup - Young the Giant

"Cough Syrup" is one of the heavier songs in this playlist, but I find the lyrics to be comforting. My interpretation of the song is a man searching for something to believe in despite the darkness in his life — something I think everyone should constantly be doing.

3. Let It All Go - Birdy and RHODES

The music video for "Let It All Go" perfectly encaptures its mood, in my opinion. When I listen to this song, I imagine as though I'm traveling through a forest on a chilly night. My head is turned toward the sky as I let the rain fall down on me, welcoming the feeling of a new beginning.

4. Iridescent - Linkin Park

This song was shown to me by a very close friend, and the message it sends hits close to home. The melody elicits a nostalgic tone for me, and I often reflect on my own life as I listen to it. Perfect for those nights when your mind is racing.

5. Medicine - The 1975

"Medicine" strikes me as a good wandering song simply because of the serene melody. The singer's voice is soft and gentle, almost like a caress, which is comforting.

6. Heroes - David Bowie

I love this song simply because it reminds me of Stephen Chbosky's novel, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," or more specifically the tunnel scene where Charlie feels set free and alive for the first time in years.

7. I Melt With You - Modern English

"I Melt With You" is more of an upbeat song that transports you back to a dance floor in the '80s as you dance with your significant other. It sounds like innocence and joy.

8. We Don't Eat - James Vincent McMorrow

James Vincent McMorrow's "We Don't Eat" takes on a slower beat. It's quieter and more introspective. I picture myself seated at an empty kitchen table, dishes all set but no one in sight. The sun streams in through the blinds and illuminates the dust particles that cover the room. I don't quite know what this mood is, but it helps me calm down when needed.

9. Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran

A classic Ed Sheeran song, "Kiss Me" is excellent to listen to while walking around alone just because his voice is soothing. I enjoy listening to acoustic songs when I feel like I can't stop thinking.

10. Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Iron & Wine

This song takes on the same slow quality as "Kiss Me," which is why I enjoy it. The lyrics are a bit odd, but the melody is peaceful just the same.

11. Swing Life Away - Rise Against

"Swing Life Away" makes me feel empowered in the face of hardships, as though friends and family are all I need to make it through life. This is a good mood-improver song when you're in a slump.

12. Never Let Me Go - Florence + The Machine

For the hopeless romantics out there, just about any Florence + the Machine song brings about that unrequired love vibe. "Never Let Me Go" is the type of song you'd listen to while slow dancing in the living room, neither of you saying a word.

13. Not About Angels - Birdy

Most of Birdy's songs are slow and soulful, and "Not About Angels" is no different. It was written for the "The Fault In Our Stars" movie, so that already points to a more morose tone. When I'm feeling introspective about life in general, this is the number one song I play.

14. Wings - Birdy

"Wings" is reminiscent. She sings of a past love, wondering how things went wrong, and I'm sure that's a feeling many people relate to. I listen to this song when I'm in one of those hopeless romantic moods.

15. Unsteady - X Ambassadors

I love this song because of the rawness you hear in the singer's voice. When I listen to this song, I hear his loneliness and desperation for love and security. It mostly gives off a negative mood, however, so definitely not a good "pick me up" type of wandering song.

16. Blinding - Florence + The Machine

"Blinding" is another one of Florence + the Machine's songs that carry an "otherworldly" vibe. It's another good song to get that mysterious, mystical mood going.

17. Taxi Cab - Twenty One pilots

"Taxi Cab" is my absolute favorite song because it resonates well with me. It reminds me that things will be alright and pain is not infinite. As Tyler Joseph says in the bridge, "all you did will be undone." I'd describe this song as cathartic — the nostalgic end to an experience, or the tying of loose ends.