Moving into university is a rollercoaster process and a rite of passage which calls for a befitting soundtrack. Luckily for you, we’ve created the perfect playlist to accompany you through all the challenges moving in presents. Whether you’re frenetically packing up the car or sobbing as your parents abandon you in your first-year room, look no further for musical inspiration.

For when you really need to get your act together… like asap!

She Works Hard For The Money – Donna Summer

If it’s T minus two hours until your departure and your possessions are worryingly scattered around the house, fear not! The undisputed Queen of Disco has got you covered with the ideal soundtrack to your frantic operation. Her quintessentially 80s synth rhythms and motivational lyrics will have you packing like you’re in a movie montage: so main character.

For your journey back to Cambridge

Back To Life – Soul II Soul

When you’re boarding that flight, jumping in the car, or sitting on the train, blast this stone-cold classic from Soul II Soul and you’ll be ready to get back to (uni) life. Yes, it’s a little on the nose, but the track’s infectious blend of hip hop and R&B is sure to put a spring in your step as you return to the grind.

“Spread the word around: you are so back and better than ever”

For when you need to romanticise the British weather

Last Request – Paolo Nutini

Struggling to accept that summer is well and truly over as you move in amidst the drizzle? Then who better to help you out than Paolo Nutini? With just a few well-chosen chords on his acoustic guitar, the folksy songwriter can make even the most sparse-looking student digs feel like a cosy autumnal haven. Perfect for the first cup of tea in your new room before you face up to that mammoth pile of boxes to unpack…

For when you’re in your feels

This Is The Last Time – Keane

Whether you’re a fresher overwhelmed by leaving home or a seasoned fourth year daunted by the prospect of graduation, moving in is always a period when emotions run high. Keane’s 2004 album Hopes and Fears encapsulates feelings of nostalgia, alienation, and longing, making it perfect listening material for those moments when everything seems too much. This Is The Last Time, which crescendos from a reflective opening to a soaring, vocally powerful chorus, evokes the pain of moving on from something you love. Universally relatable.

For when you reunite with your besties

The Boys Are Back In Town – Thin Lizzy

With upbeat riffs and an annoyingly catchy chorus that really hammers home its titular message, Thin Lizzy’s biggest hit ticks all the boxes. It’s like the Irish rockers designed this track for that golden moment when you finally see your friends again after a long summer of separation. Spread the word around: you are so back and better than ever. Cambridge doesn’t know what’s coming.