Just like that, half the semester has almost come and gone. Thanksgiving weekend marked the calm before the storm, right before the reality of major assignments and midterms ruin all your cozy fall vibes. But briefly, we could all forget about those midterms and go home, eat way too much food, and feel like we’re still in high school for a few days. Whether you had turkey or takeout this Thanksgiving, here are some cozy and nostalgic tunes to get you through your food coma.

“Running For Cover” by Ivan & Alyosha, 2013

Here’s one for your commute back home, whether it’s a bus or a plane ride away. There’s something that will always be eternally comforting about home. And I’m willing to bet your mom’s cooking is way better than dining hall food, or even worse, your own cooking.

“Big Sis” by Sales, 2015

Another for when you’re feeling nostalgic about home. Surround yourself with family and friends and get into the thankful spirit with this tune.

“Rising Water” by James Vincent McMorrow, 2016

Let McMorrow’s dreamy voice comfort you while the funky melody has you tapping your feet. Listen to this as you drink hot chocolate or eat pumpkin pie and pretend you don’t have an essay you should be writing.

“The Magician” by Andy Shauf, 2016

A perfect low tempo fall song. The piano melody and Shauf’s voice bring ultimate comfort during the coziest time of year. “The Magician” also describes most of us during midterm season: “just a shaking hand without a concrete plan.”

“The Wild Hunt” by The Tallest Man on Earth, 2010

Listen to this while you’re driving, taking in all the beautiful fall colours around you, and wishing fall could stay for a little while longer before the brutal winter comes to stay for longer than any of us want it to.

“Hands Down” by The Greeting Committee, 2015

Another good driving tune. Gather up some friends, roll the windows down while you still can, and sing as loud as you want.   

“Rhythm & Blues” by The Head and the Heart, 2016

“No one wants to be lonely,” so play this and feel all the warm and happy feels while surrounded by all your favourite people at a party.

“Violet” by Daniel Caesar, 2014

We all love a good slow jam. October also marks the beginning of cuffing season, so maybe find yourself a special someone to cuddle up with and listen to Caesar’s swoon-worthy tune together.

“Paradise” by Jon Bryant, 2018

If you haven’t heard of Bryant, you should change that as soon as possible. His dreamy voice will definitely get you in the cuffing spirit.

“Flying Kites” by Jeremy Zucker, 2015

“Won’t you stay for love?” Long weekends are never long enough. Play this as you pack and get ready for your regularly scheduled programming of all-nighters at Robarts. Pack some leftovers with you, to make the commute back to school a little better.

Do you have that one go-to track you play almost every night? I do! Call me old school but nothing gets me dancing like a dig in the dancing queen, and nothing ever will.

Your first week of school can be bittersweet — mine usually is. While you’re happy to reunite with your friends, you reminisce about waking up late and the few responsibilities that come with the summer season.

September has creeped up on us, so you should listen to this playlist in an attempt to commemorate your summer memories.

These popular tracks are perfect for your first week back at school. The night is young, the music is loud and before you know it we’ll be meeting up at Con Hall.

“Freaky Friday” by Lil Dicky featuring Chris Brown, 2018

This is a really a hit or miss kind of song, but for me, it’s definitely a hit. Sometimes a tune is more than enough to get grooving. A little bit of base, a little bit of pop and a whole lot of rhythm. Not to mention, the music video is hilarious!

“Partition” by Beyoncé, 2013

We all need at least one Queen B song in our playlist and here is one of my favorites! Beyoncé’s nonchalantly flawless, untouchable vocals in sync with a mood changing rhythm definitely makes this a top favourite on my playlist.

“Girls Like You” by Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B, 2018

Your new inspiration is here and it comes with a sweet touch of Adam Levine’s voice! And once again, here he is with a song that I just can’t get out of my head.

“In My Feelings” by Drake, 2018

It’s only one of the most played songs of the summer. Literally. Yet somehow I’m not sick of it and so I’d rather have a song that makes me skip a step over one that makes me fall asleep before a three hour lecture.

“Shotgun” by George Ezra, 2018

Imagine your windows rolled down, the blazing sun and cool pop riding shotgun to your favorite beats. Oh, and on blasting volume of course. Here is a favorite that I play every time, and cheesy but true – most definitely when I win shotgun. You ride shotgun to class, no?

“No Brainer” by DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Chance The Rapper, Quavo, 2018

The “I’m The One” team is back with yet another one! What a reunion! It’s a no brainer that this song will keep you good company on your long walks to class.

“Level Up” by Ciara, 2018

Talk about one of the most viral and popular songs of the season! This already has me levelled up in my seat and I’m sitting on my couch still in my PJs. Need the perfect wake-up call after eight hours of class a day? Here’s one!

“1, 2, 3” by Sofia Reyes featuring Jason Derulo, De La Ghetto, 2018

I forgot all the Spanish I learned in high school until this beat came on, so it only seems right to have it back a few hours before class starts! It’s perfect for the first week back playlist.

“Capital Letters” by Hailee Steinfeld, BloodPop®, 2018

A packed social calendar in the summer calls for a night out every day. The semester, unfortunately, doesn’t bring us this luck. So here is a track for your first weekend back, a club ready, rushing pop, and smooth song for your playlist. Whether you’re dancing at a nightclub or in your PJs before bed — this is a mood changer!

“Dancing Queen” by Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again cast, 2018

This is a cover of a 1975 ABBA song. You know what they say: save the best for the last. You didn’t think I’d leave this out, did you? Summer is never complete without a little bit of “Dancing Queen”; words don’t do justice to this masterpiece. In lieu of a throwback to the 1970s, here is a Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again version of your favorite “Dancing Queen”! The first week of school may bring assignments, but with this song, at least you’ll be in a good mood when you write it.