It’s May – the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping. But you barely notice any of these pleasantries as you hustle from a group project meeting on the second floor of Mckeldin to your dorm to finish that research paper you’ve been putting off for weeks.

In other words, it’s finals time and you’re feeling that once-a-semester desperation. To ward off that negative energy, here’s a playlist to keep you motivated.

“Friday on my Mind” – The Easybeats

You could play this song any week, to be honest. It’s always some good motivation to get your groove on and work for the weekend. Though the first Friday of summer vacation is even more exciting.

“Taste It” – Jake Bugg

This song is more of a promise for how awesome your summer is going to be. You’re so close!

“Keep Your Head Up” – Cults

The title says it all. Keep going.

“Still Alive” – BIGBANG

You’ve made it this far. Play this song again when you walk out of your last exam and you’ll feel like you just stepped into some trippy alternate reality in which you have no responsibilities.Also, you can’t understand anything except being Alive.

“The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World

Of course this song was going to make the playlist. How could it not? It’s possibly one of the most (and maybe one of the only) reassuring pop-punk songs. It just takes some time – in this case less than two weeks – but everything will be alright.

“Dog Days are Over” – Florence & the Machine

The worse part is over. You’ve got a few more days and you’re done!

“One Way or Another” – Blondie

The good grades are there. Go get ‘em.

“Spice Up Your Life” – Spice Girls

It’s impossible not to feel good while listening to this song. Take a break from studying and get up and dance for a few minutes.

“This Year” – The Mountain Goats

“I am gonna make it through this year if it kills me.” Preach it, Darnielle.

All twelve versions of the Degrassi theme song

I swear by this video. I send it to everyone who is stressed. Some kind-hearted person decided to compile twelve seasons worth of Degrassi: The Next Generation theme songs into one video. By the time it’s done, you’ll have heard “Whatever it takes, I know I can make it through” so many times it’s impossible not to believe that you can do whatever you put your mind to.

Hanna Greenblott is a sophomore English language and literature major and can be reached at hanna.g13@gmail.com.