By Stuti Pemmaraju, Staff Writer
Image Courtesy of Pinterest
With fall semester finals soon approaching, Mariners are spending hours each day trying to cram in assignments, studying, and extra curricular activities all at once. Students are spending long hours putting extra effort into their work, finding ways to stay focused despite all other responsibilities.
Amidst the chaos of finals’ season, there’s one thing that has stayed the same: music. No matter where you look, you can always spot at least one Mariner with an airpod in. So why do so many students rely on music, and does it actually help?
A mix of students, from freshman to seniors, shared how they use music to study and whether it makes a difference.
What types of music do students study with?
Students across grade levels shared a diverse mix of genres, while a few stood out in particular. Most students have shown to prefer R&B while studying. Students had responses similar to sophomore Anwesha Vermaji , who said that R&B is her go-to while preparing for finals because it is the only genre of music that doesn’t distract her from what she is working on.
Other students listen to more alternative and pop. Sophomore Emiko Grippin explained that the mix between the two is the perfect combination to keep her both energized and awake while reviewing all her material. Senior Grace Burrell stated that upbeat music keeps her in a good mood for studying.
How does music help during finals—if it helps at all?
When it comes to studying music, the key question is whether it actually helps you study. Research in neuroscience and psychology shows that listening to music can affect the brain in ways that improve both memory and overall concentration. Studies show that music stimulates multiple parts of the brain which tie to paying attention and emotions, and that music can increase task focused attention and reduce mind wandering during study sessions. The students interviewed directly mirrored this research—music directly helps them study without distracting them from their tasks. Freshman James Kandie stated, when asked if music helps him at all, that it helps him mentally lock in and feel more prepared for his upcoming tests.
Meanwhile, junior Tvisha Garodia revealed that music has become more helpful after being in high school, because with the amount of work she has to do she needs something that makes her determined to finish it. It also helps her not lose interest or get bored, while doing work that can be especially tedious or even a little difficult.
What songs do people listen to to keep them motivated?
Here is a list of songs from varying genres your very own peers say helps them push through the stress of finals week. Maybe add a few to your study playlist!
- Don’t – Bryson Tiller
- Motion Sickness – Phoebe Bridgers
- That’s What I Like – Bruno Mars
- Right My Wrongs – Bryson Tiller
- All Too Well (10 Minute Version) – Taylor Swift
- Ballin’ – PARTYNEXTDOOR
- She’s So Perfect – 5 Seconds of Summer
- Close to You – Gracie Abrams
- Hand in my Pocket – Alanis Morissette
- Karma Police – Radiohead
- Self Care – Mac Miller
- One Dance – Drake
So…does music actually help?
Based on these interviews, the answer is yes: music does actually help the students here at Moreau study, whether it be keeping them focused or giving them motivation when it feels like there is none left. For many students, listening to music is bringing them one step closer to confidently getting through finals week.
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