As we return to campus for this upcoming fall semester, we will all find ourselves longing for the perfect playlist to listen to on our way to class or hanging out with our friends before a football game.
For that reason, I created specific playlists for several situations in which you can simply click shuffle and let it play.
Each playlist contains a culmination of songs I have heard around campus as well as songs that complement Madison’s culture and are true to our beloved college town’s spirit.
Here are my top five playlists for fall of 2023 in Madtown.
I frequently attend the farmer’s market alone and enjoy listening to sweet, happy songs while shopping for my market favorites. Composed of light-hearted, feel-good songs, this playlist is perfect to play through your AirPods as you shop the lovely Dane County Farmers Market.
Badgers love fall football game days. Some even consider getting ready for the game to be the best part of game day. Here is an energetic playlist to get you pumped up for a big day at Camp Randall — throw this on at a tailgate, in your bathroom while doing your makeup or on a clip-on speaker for your walk to the stadium. By the end of the third quarter, you’ll be ready to jump around!
As the fall semester begins and campus becomes electric with exciting social opportunities, it is important to prioritize school work first. While it stinks to turn down plans with friends in order to study, I find that a peaceful study playlist, a cup of your favorite tea and a lovely candle make doing so a whole lot easier. This is a playlist that is calm and understated, containing some of your favorite songs that won’t overpower your brain while you’re trying to write your paper or study for your upcoming exam. Who said studying couldn’t be enjoyable?
One of the best parts about returning to campus is soaking up what remains of summer weather on the Mendota piers with best friends you haven’t seen in a while. This playlist reflects those happy feelings with youthful, upbeat and summery songs that will send your school scaries away. We’ll be bundling up in parkas before we know it, so head down to the lake and enjoy the nice weather while you can!
Those who have had classes in Agriculture Hall or at the top of Bascom Hill understand how important it is to have a fun playlist to get you through your walk to class. Additionally, walking to great music on your way to your 8:00 a.m. lecture will wake you up and make you more prepared to take on the day. This playlist fosters a campus fall aesthetic with more alternative songs. Skip the bus and get your steps in with the help of these tracks.
Along with the beginning of fall courses comes much stress. Let these playlists eliminate the stress of figuring out what music to play and enjoy the ability to shuffle great music with ease. This semester, remember to allow yourself to make time for those fun situations in which playlists such as Mendota Music or Farmer’s Market Saturdays may be useful, while also putting your best foot forward in your academic endeavors. Have a wonderful fall semester Badgers!
