If you have ever moved into a dorm room, played spikeball with new friends in the Yard, or said hi to old ones at the Indy office, you know one thing is key: a soundtrack to play behind it all. As we all begin to settle into the new year, some of us saying hello to Harvard for the first time, and some for the last, the Independent has you set with a playlist for all your back-to-school needs. Here are the songs to listen to as you get back into gear.
Playboi Carti, “Long Time – Intro”
What better song to awaken us from our summer slumber than “Long Time?” Just remember that “No cap and gown, I ain’t go to class” is not meant to be taken as advice.
Kanye West, Chris Martin, “Homecoming”
As much as you might hate to admit it, Cambridge is your home away from home. You probably had a lot of fun during your fancy New York internship, but the summer’s over and it’s time to come home for the next nine months.
Kim Petras, SOPHIE, “1, 2, 3 days up”
This exuberant pop song perfectly encapsulates the relaxed joy of the first few weeks of the semester. You aren’t swamped with work yet, you’re excited to see your friends, and you feel like you could go out every day of the week. Or three of them, at least.
Kero Kero Bonito, “Trampoline”
The beginning of a new year brings with it the dread of facing problem sets, papers, and final exams. “Trampoline” acknowledges that life can get hard, but you’ll be back on your feet in no time. Just “don’t forget to bounce.”
The Outfit, “212 vs. Bust A Move”
If you need something to play as you move into your dorm, we have you covered. This song from the “Pitch Perfect” soundtrack played as Anna Kendrick’s character moved into college, and it’s upbeat enough that you might actually enjoy carrying your boxes up the stairs of Canaday. Who knows: maybe you’ll get scouted by the Opportunes right then and there!
Meghan Trainor, “Lips Are Movin”
This song is old but gold; seven years later, it still resonates as a hot girl summer anthem. Keep in mind that your mindset doesn’t have to change just because school is starting, so go ahead and have yourself a hot girl autumn with Meghan Trainor playing in the background.
Dorian Electra, “Career Boy”
In “Career Boy,” Dorian Electra pokes fun at the stereotypical Harvard student who’s addicted to the grind and can’t stop working. It’s a good reminder to stop being a square and have some fun.
Charli XCX, “Trophy”
Forget everything we just said, because ‘Trophy’ will make you want to work night and day to chase that trophy. Leave your friends and enemies in the dust and let them know: “B*tch I’m here to f*ck you up.”
LMFAO, “Yes”
If you’re Trophy-ing right, you’ll have your fair share of successes this semester. At least, we hope so. When it’s on and poppin’, and the party’s rockin’, there’s no better song to help you celebrate than “Yes.”
Lil Pump, Lil Uzi Vert, “Multi Millionaire”
Harvard’s most illustrious dropout Lil Pump takes a well-deserved spot in our welcome back playlist with “Multi Millionaire.” This song gives off a braggadocious energy that perfectly matches the hope and excitement we feel at the beginning of the fall semester. Just maybe don’t follow Lil Pump’s lead until you have a hit song of your own.
Kanye West, “Hold My Liquor”
Chief Keef can’t handle his liquor, and unfortunately neither can a lot of you. “Hold My Liquor” encapsulates both the regret you feel when waking up with a hangover and the can’t-care attitude that got you there in the first place. Know your limits, first-years.
Pusha T, Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, The-Dream, “M.P.A.”
The fact that you’ve never sold coke doesn’t make the gospel Pusha T preaches in “M.P.A.” any less applicable to you. “Money, p*ssy, alcohol”; the collection of artists featured on this track is as qualified as any to tell you that those are the vices to watch out for.
Carnage, Lil Yachty, “Mase in ’97”
As far as theme goes, this song actually has nothing to do with the theme of this playlist at all. But “Mase in ’97” is Lil Boat at his peak; let him inspire you to reach for your best this semester.
Whethan, midwxst, Yeat, Matt Ox, “LOCK IT UP”
Perhaps one of the most eclectic collections of rappers ever comes together on Whethan’s “LOCK IT UP.” Yet, each verse exudes the swagger that one can only feel when five drinks deep, breathing in the brisk autumn air and ready to have a night.
Bridgit Mendler, “Ready Or Not”
On “Ready Or Not,” Bridgit Mendler is confident and unbothered, setting an example for how we should approach the coming school year. Seize the day, whether they’re ready or not.
Earth, Wind & Fire, “September”
A groovy, Earth, Wind & Fire classic—need I say more? Just mark the 21st night of September in your GCals now and make sure it’s one you’ll remember.
The Wind and The Wave, “Young Folks”
“Young Folks” played in the back of Gossip Girl’s iconic pilot episode. Channel your inner Serena van der Woodsen as you step foot into the Yard for the first time.
Steve Lacy, “Bad Habit”
We all have our bad habits: skipping Econ lecture because you’ll just watch the recording, the occasional drunk cig, the high school ex we can’t shake. Here’s to kicking all those and going to the gym for a change.
umru, Tommy Cash, 645AR, “check1”
Industrial production from umru along with boastful vocals from Tommy Cash and 645AR combine to create an alien atmosphere in “check1.” The performances of all three artists are unapologetically unique and set the tone for you to chart your own course in fall 2022.
Vince Staples, “Party People”
This is a groovy track from Vince Staples that hits hard and fast. Even while he’s grooving, he asks questions that dig deep, like:“How I’m supposed to have a good time / When death and destruction’s all I see?” Whether you’re Philosophy or Applied Math, there’s some food for thought for all ye worldshaking Harvard students.
Tay-K, Blocboy JB, “Hard”
As Tay-K once said: “School was very hard.” Yeah.
Matt Sakiyama ’25 (msakiyama@college.harvard.edu) has bad music taste.
Caroline Hao ’25 (carolinehao@college.harvard.edu) is ready to go back to school.