Studying in silence gives my brain a break
Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact I love music.
I’ll shout it from the rooftops—or speak it at an appropriate volume behind the radio mic—that listening to music is one of my life’s greatest ions. During times of leisure and transport, you’ll rarely catch me without my headphones on, and whether it’s punk or breakbeat, my love for all things sonic spans the bounds of genre.
But the one place you won’t see me tapping my foot is the library.
I’ve tried listening to music while studying, I really have. For years, I tried to convince myself I could do both. I spent countless study nights attempting to sell myself the lie that the quality and quantity of my study output wasn’t affected by the sweet melodies I listened to as I worked.
But, this year, I’ve itted defeat. I simply can’t focus on two things at once.
My hard stance comes from a place of love. I just can’t help from immersing myself in whatever song is playing, whether by mouthing the words, humming along, or being an active listener.
I wish it weren’t true, but my brain is weaker when its attention is divided.
As much as I would love for my life’s soundtrack to extend to the hours I spend studying, it simply isn’t the case.
The only sounds that get me in that hypnotic flow state are brown noise—think white noise, but somehow warmer—and perhaps the occasional rain sound compilation if I’m feeling adventurous. They tune out sounds of chewing, coughing, and pen-clicks, while still giving my brain some space to breathe.
It hurts my heart to it, but my work is better suited to the sweet sounds of silence.
—Madison Taylor, Senior Arts & Culture Editor
Don’t let books stop your beats
Music is the bane of my existence—in the best way possible. It’s how I express myself and, honestly, how I stay sane. Take away my earphones, and you’ll meet a very grumpy version of me. I’d gladly risk being late over enduring my bus ride in silence. That’s just how it goes.
Naturally, I’ve curated the perfect playlist for studying. With my mind always running at full speed, music helps me stay grounded. It’s more than just background noise—it’s the buffer I need to focus, shut out distractions, and set a vibe that keeps me on track.
My study playlist is everything to me—I carefully choose songs that either match my mood or give me a boost when I need it. I’ve even cracked the code for matching music to tasks. For math, anything goes, even belting out Gracie Abrams; for note-taking or recall, I lean towards instrumental tracks, like jazz or classical, to avoid getting tangled in lyrics.
To those who say it’s distracting, I’d argue the right kind of music sets a rhythm that quiets wandering thoughts. Without it, I’d get lost in existential musings, and my productivity would nosedive. I read somewhere that if you study to a certain song, your brain can replay it during an exam. I wonder often if that’s really true. Try it for yourself!
—Mannat Mehra, Sales Representative
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