Welcome back to Cambridge, where your real soundtrack begins. We’ve curated the perfect mix to power your Michaelmas term — whether you’re braving Freshers’ Week or pretending to catch up on reading. Hit play, and let this mixtape carry you through every all-nighter, library dash, and night out you won’t remember.

1. Chappell Roan – ‘Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl’

Roan’s infectious tune perfectly embodies the Freshers’ Week frenzy. With bold, unapologetic lyrics and a beat that drags you to the dance floor whether you like it or not, it channels the confident energy every student needs while navigating overpriced drinks and social circles that feel more like celestial events — brief, blinding, and awkward. The artist of the moment, Roan offers up a soundtrack for self-assurance, reminding us that sometimes, it’s about owning every wild, chaotic moment. Even if it’s wearing a toga and pretending you didn’t pay £10 for a vodka cranberry.

2. The 1975 — ‘The 1975’ (Being Funny in a Foreign Language)

Coming back to Cambridge feels a bit like stepping onto a stage you didn’t entirely rehearse for, and The 1975’s opening track nails that feeling. It’s synth-heavy, sharp, and gives just enough swagger for those first few weeks when you’re trying to look on top of things. Perfect for pretending you’re not internally spiralling over whether your reading list is longer than the Pret queue. It’s the sound of pretending to have it all together while still Googling how to finish an essay in one night.

3. Clairo – ‘Bags’

Cambridge isn’t all about the manic blur of Freshers’ Week and speed walking to meetings. There are moments when everything slows down, and that’s where ‘Bags’ by Clairo slips in, perfectly capturing the introspective side of university life. With its muted guitars and softly-spoken vocals, it mirrors the kind of autumn evening when the city’s spires seem to breathe, and you’re left with nothing but your thoughts. It’s not about closure or resolution, but rather about the grey areas—moments of uncertainty that define not just relationships but the subtle undercurrents of student life.

“The sound of pretending to have it all together while still Googling how to finish an essay in one night”

4. Sam Fender — ‘Seventeen Going Under’

‘Seventeen Going Under’ stands apart by tapping into a raw, unfiltered look at the turbulence of personal growth. With its gritty guitars and anthemic feel, the track provides a rock-infused catharsis—a far cry from the polished optimism or introspective calm of the rest of this playlist. Fender’s storytelling captures the weight of growing pains, and the song speaks to those pivotal moments in university life when the past and future collide, leaving you grappling with your identity. It’s not just about the angst of adolescence but about realising that growth often comes with scars you’ll carry forward. This track is ideal for anybody navigating the messy in-between stages of adulthood, ergo the question of whether or not pasta counts as a balanced diet.

5. Little Simz — ‘Introvert’

Simz’s ‘Introvert’ isn’t just a track; it’s a six-minute, brass-filled manifesto on the tension between personal identity and the disordered state of the world, pertinent as ever after a summer so rife with political turbulence. From global protests to ever-present racial and social injustices, Simz reflects the weight of these issues through incisive, contemplative lyrics. “The kingdom’s on fire,” she declares, shattering any illusion of stability. As we return to our academic routines, the song serves as a stark reminder that the world beyond University walls is still ablaze. Her orchestral masterpiece is both a personal and political reckoning, challenging us not to retreat into the Cambridge bubble but to stay alert to the upheaval shaping our collective future.

“Simz’s ‘Introvert’ isn’t just a track; it’s a six-minute, brass-filled manifesto”

6. Tyla — ‘Safer’

Where our other tracks tap into bold self-expression, introspection, or communal energy, ‘Safer’ brings something different: the delicate art of emotional self-preservation. In a university environment where so much of your time is spent putting on a brave face — whether in academics, social circles, or even nightlife — this song provides a moment of quiet retreat. Tyla’s soft, understated delivery carries the weight of vulnerability, exploring the need to feel secure amidst the chaos of new experiences. The track doesn’t aim to empower or inspire in the traditional sense but instead invites you to seek refuge in the spaces where you feel most protected. It’s the sonic equivalent of retreating to your room after a long day of trying to be ‘on’, offering an intimate reminder that it’s okay to protect your heart when the world outside feels overwhelming.

7. Motörhead — ‘Ace of Spades’

This track stands out like a lightning bolt, introducing a raw, fast-paced blast of heavy metal energy. It doesn’t ask for reflection or emotional connection — it demands to be played loud, fast, and without apology. Its furious tempo and iconic riffs capture the unpredictable side of University: the moments where things spin out of control, and all you can do is ride the wave. Whether it’s for those late-night essay sprints powered by caffeine or the need to let off steam after a stressful week, ‘Ace of Spades’ injects a dose of rebellious, high-octane adrenaline into the playlist, offering an escape from the weightier themes that dominate elsewhere.

8. Billy Joel — ‘Vienna’

No playlist addressing academic pressure is complete without this timeless ballad. With its thoughtful lyrics and soothing melody, ‘Vienna’ offers a perfect counterbalance to the hustle of Cambridge. It speaks to the timeless wisdom of not rushing through life’s stages, nudging forward a reminder to pace yourself and appreciate the journey as it happens. And, when it’s served on such a soulful backdrop of sound, it’s really impossible not to heed Joel’s command: Breathe, you crazy children. “You’re doing fine.”