From Freshman to Senior: The Songs That Got Me Here
By: Macy Sweetser
Every Sunday, I like to listen to music, clean my house, clear my head and prepare for a good week. With my favorite songs and playlists blasting through my headphones as I sweep the floor, memories start to flood back to me. Over these past four years at The Ohio State University, I noticed that music has been an integral part of my college experience, and every single song I know holds a unique memory. Each “playlist” I have built represents a different chapter in my life and the things I have learned along the way.
Freshman Year - Finding My Footing
Moving from Minnesota to Ohio was both thrilling and intimidating. I remember sitting in my dorm room with my randomly assigned roommates that would soon become my best friends, surrounded by unpacked boxes and untouched space, wondering how long it would take for me to feel at home. Thankfully, the campus started to feel smaller as I found my footing and explored my new world with my new friends. Music was an instant mood booster and something I heavily relied on during this adjustment.
Freshman Year Playlist:
“You’re On Your Own, Kid” - Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift’s 10th studio album, Midnights, came out in October 2022, and I felt an instant connection to this song in particular. It perfectly captures the mixture of excitement and nervousness I felt at college alone.
“Hang On Sloopy” - The Ohio State Marching Band - An iconic Ohio State tune that reminded me to embrace new experiences, like Big Ten football games.
“24/7/365” - Surfaces - Listening to this song always brings a sense of comfort, reminding me of beautiful Minnesota summers and my friends back home.
If you are interested in Taylor Swift, her brand new album, The Life of a Showgirl, is out now on all streaming platforms. Visit her website for more!
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Sophomore Year - Building Confidence
By my sophomore year, I found my footing and focused on building my confidence. I became more involved on campus and joined organizations like Buckeye Professional Advancement & Development and Chi Omega. Through my busy schedule, I learned how to manage my time and energy while embracing these new experiences. Music became a source of motivation, keeping me energized through long nights and hard work.
Sophomore Year Playlist:
“Good as Hell” - Lizzo - This powerful pop anthem reminded me to stay confident and celebrate the small wins.
“Glitter” - BENEE - The upbeat energy of this song helped me power through the late nights and stay motivated. Check out the “Glitter” music video here.
“Dog Days Are Over” - Florence + The Machine - A song that feels like you are entering a new stage of life, in the best way.
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music helped me curate these perfect playlists. Check them out and create yours too!
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Junior Year - Growth
My junior year pushed me to grow in ways I did not expect. It was the first time I truly felt grounded. I was surrounded by amazing friends and finally figuring out what I wanted to do career-wise. While interning at Mall of America back in Minnesota, music reminded me to slow down and enjoy where I was.
Junior Year Playlist:
“Vienna” - Billy Joel - A classic song that reminds us all to slow down and not rush through life.
“Good Days” - SZA - SZA always knows how to calm me down during stressful weeks.
“You’re My Best Friend” - Queen - A song that made me feel the comfort of the friendships I had built at school.
Image Source: Macy Sweetser
Senior Year
There is something so bittersweet about senior year. The “last” of everything. I still have time before I graduate in May 2026, but I have never been prouder of how far I have come. Freshman-year me would be amazed at who I am today. Music means a lot to me, and as I get ready to end my college career, these songs remind me where I have been, who I have become and the memories that hold a special place in my heart.
Senior Year Playlist:
“Where’d All the Time Go” - Dr. Dog - This song perfectly captures the nostalgia of realizing how quickly these four years have passed.
“Ribs” - Lorde - Lordes lyric, "It feels so scary getting old” is the reason I love this song so much.
“The Spins” - Mac Miller - A track that speaks on the experiences, friendships, and emotions that make college truly unforgettable.
Check out these playlists featuring all the songs from my college journey, along with a Spotify-made college mix: College Soundtrack + Spotify College Mix.
