As the summer air cools into an autumn chill and the leaves fade into auburn, we enter the early adult’s “new year”: back-to-uni season. And what better way to step into this new chapter than to create the perfect back-to-uni playlist? To start you off, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite autumnal songs, perfect for romanticised walks to lectures, hyped-up night out prep or just chilling at home with your housemates.
My first pick, inspired by my favourite autumn TV series, is “There She Goes” by The La’s. The first track of the entire Warner Brothers’ series Gilmore Girls, the opening guitar riff of this song holds a crisp optimism that perfectly encapsulates the turn of the seasons. Not only this, channelling your inner Rory Gilmore seems the perfect way to start off the semester, borrowing her academic drive to take on the fresh uni year.
Secondly, it would be wrong to create a uni playlist without including Sheffield legends Arctic Monkeys, so my next pick has to be “Fluorescent Adolescent”. A song packed with youthful energy, this is the perfect song to soundtrack your autumn, whether this be for a Leadmill Friday pre-drinks, or an energised walk into campus. Taken from my favourite Arctic Monkeys album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, it’s impossible not to get a kick out of this song, along with the rest of the album’s fiery tracklist!
My next pick has to come from the undisputed queen of the pop music industry, Taylor Swift. After a year of unimaginable success and a summer of sold-out European Eras Tour dates, Swift’s fire shows no sign of extinguishing, taking home a whopping seven awards at the VMAs this month.
With 11 albums in her discography, and a career spanning 18 years, it’s no wonder she has a song for any situation. “You’re On Your Own, Kid” from Midnights is the perfect addition to this back-to-uni playlist. The track is all about embracing your independence, and celebrating everything in life – from the large life achievements to the little things, like cosy evenings with your housemates and the everyday challenges you overcome. All in all, the perfect uni anthem!
Transitioning us seamlessly from ‘brat summer’, my next choice comes from Charli XCX and her highly praised album, BRAT. “Talk Talk”, the album’s fifth track, is one of my personal favourite songs on the album. Its bassy energy and ecstatic synth guitar riffs hype you up instantly, whether you’re getting ready for a day at the library or a night out at the Foundry. Who’s to say we have to leave the album behind as we enter autumn?
My fifth pick comes from the queens of indie autumn themselves, Boygenius. While they’re a firm staple on my Spotify all year round, it’s impossible to collate a back-to-uni playlist without including their soft and calming tones. I’ve chosen “Not Strong Enough”, with its honest lyricism and blissful harmonies, as a perfect track as you’re winding down, cooking in the evening, or powering through a study session in the IC.
Finally, I couldn’t conclude this autumn soundtrack without including a song from one of my personal favourite new releases of the last month. Towards the end of August, Fontaines D.C. released their fourth album, Romance, whose gothic nuances combine with punchy rock overtones to create a post-punk masterpiece.
To finish this back-to-uni playlist, I have selected “Favourite”, a euphoric, guitar-driven single that combines layered backing vocals with Grian’s signature vocal style, that sits satisfyingly between spoken word and singing. This song holds a positivity that closes this playlist with a warm and bright feeling, making it the perfect track to see you through the cold autumn and winter evenings.
As the start of the term nears and a new chapter is unlocked, I hope this playlist has given you some inspiration for your own autumn semester soundtrack!