For some students, finals are over. For others, they're in the middle of finals. Then, there are those who are still preparing for finals. I can think of a few songs for each phase you might be going through.
Pre-Finals: The Preparation
1. "Stressed Out" - Twenty One Pilots
You knew this was coming, didn't you? I guess the title is self-explanatory.
2. "I Need an Angel" - Ruben Studdard
At this point, you are well aware of the pain you are about to endure during finals week. You've already accepted that it may very well take a miracle to get through finals.
3. "Journey to the Past" - Aaliyah
It's that time to take a journey back to the first part of the semester and dig up those old notes.
4. "You're Going Down" - Sick Puppies
Don't go down without a fight, guys! Show those finals who's boss!
5. "We Got It" - Cast of NBC's "The Wiz Live"
You got this! If you're not too far behind, try and stay ahead of the game.
6. "You Gotta Be" - Des'Ree
Wake up to this song and let Des'Ree give you that morning inspiration to be bolder, wiser, smarter and stronger. In order to get anything productive done, you definitely need to be calm and at peace with yourself.
7. "Good Morning, Heartache" - Billie Holiday
Time to face reality, guys. The only thing between you and a good night's rest is finals.
8. "Pompeii" - Bastille
Bastille asked a very good question: "How am I gonna be an optimist about this?" Well, after it's all over, you don't have to worry about studying or doing school work.
9. "I Need Some Sleep" - Eels
Take advantage of every nap offered to you. Even if you're in the library on the floor, if you feel like dozing off, you do that!
10. "Into the Fire" - Dokken
You might be sweating a lot more in these last few days. It's not just because of summer, trust me.
Mid-Finals: Caught in the Storm
1. "The Fighter" - Gym Class Heroes featuring Ryan Tedder
Fight for your grades! Don't give up!
2. "It's the End of the World as We Know It" - R.E.M.
OK, it's not the end of the world. Your scholastic impact on life doesn't define you or your worth. If it was the end, there wouldn't be anymore finals or paying back student loans, though. I mean-- that is a plus.
3. "Let's Go Crazy" - Prince
It's OK to get in fetal position and console yourself. Finals can be mentally overbearing.
4. "The Kids Aren't Alright" - Fall Out Boy
Not only are you overwhelmed with preparing for one exam, but once you compile all the notes from all of your classes, you realize that you should've started studying at least a year in advance just to be ready for your exams.
5. "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid" - The Offspring
If you believe, you can achieve! Who knows? You may go further than you've ever expected!
6. "Crazy Youngsters" - Ester Dean
Take a break, and have some fun. Try and link up with your friends a few more times before the summer.
7. "Many Rivers to Cross" - UB40
It may seem like a long way to go, but you'll make it. It may seem like you see no way out, but you'll get there one way or another.
8. "Swing Life Away" - MGK featuring Kellin Quinn
Exams, projects, presentations, research papers and all other responsibilities are things we could do without. If only we could just swing through life in our backyard.
9. "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" - Coldplay
Those tears that you're crying between exams will pay off and become a beautiful waterfall of opportunities. Keep going!
10. "We Don't Need Another Hero (Beyond Thunderdome)"- Tina Turner
All we want is life beyond Thunderdome-- otherwise known as exams.
Post-Finals: Free at Last
1. "School's Out" - Alice Cooper
No more teachers, no more books, and school's out for the summer!
2. "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)" - Kenny Loggins
We made it! Freedom is upon us! We can go back to our lives outside of textbooks and Microsoft Word.
3. "Make Me Proud" - Drake featuring Nicki Minaj
You survived finals! Be proud of yourself!
4. "Roman Holiday" - Halsey
Time for a much deserved holiday and getaway.
5. "Coming Home" - Diddy-Dirty Money featuring Skylar Grey
Mom! Dad! Be ready because I'm coming home!
6. "I Tried" - Bone Thugs N Harmony featuring Akon
The only true failure is when you stop trying. You tried, and you made it.
7. "Ride" - Twenty One Pilots
Time for that ride back home. No more exams, studying, going to classes. You're free for the summer! Time to ride out!
8. "When You Believe" - Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey
At some point, you might have a moment where you're thankful that you didn't give up. No matter how many times you contemplated dropping out or jumping in front of that car on campus to get free tuition, you held on to that little drop of faith, and succeeded. There really can be miracles!
9. "By the Grace of God" - Katy Perry
You survived. The summer is yours!
10. "Stayin' Alive" - Bee Gees
Now, it's up to you to keep staying alive.
