We know that going back to college can cause some stress as well as excitement. If you need a soundtrack to the beginning of your year, whether you are a freshman or a senior, take a look at Intersections’ back-to-school playlist!

“Juicy” — Doja Cat

Going back to school feeling a little down on your self-confidence? Listen to “Juicy” by Doja Cat to start feeling like the bad bitch you are again. And while you’re at it, watch the video, because the outfit choice is absolute fire. Honestly, just listen to the whole album.

Our favorite lyric: “If you could see it from the front, wait ’til you see it from the back”

“Look” — Leikeli47

Leikeli47’s “Look” was playing at every queer event this past weekend at Southern Decadence. Feeling doubtful about your back-to-class outfit? Play this song. Feeling doubtful about your performance on an assignment? Play this song. Feeling doubtful about not making quick friends? Play this song. ‘’Look’’ is great for an instant confidence boost. 

Our favorite lyric: “‘Cause, baby, it’s a look, it’s a look, it’s a look, it’s a look”

“All for Us” — Zendaya, Labrinth

You are majorly missing out if you haven’t caught HBO’s new show, “Euphoria.” Not only are you missing out on phenomenal storytelling, but a long overdue new song from the show’s star, Zendaya. “All for us’’ runs us through the entire season and makes us relive our favorite moments.

Our favorite lyric: “I hope one of you come back/ To remind me of who I was”

“WATER” — Salatiel, Pharrell Williams, Beyoncé

While some of us were disappointed with the live action Lion King remake, Beyonce blessed us all with the soundtrack of the summer. A standout song is “WATER.” This song is perfect for an energized bike or run through Audubon or in between sets at Reily. After a long hiatus of bops, Pharrell Williams collabs with none other than Queen B and Salatiel for this great back to school song.

Our favorite lyric: “Don’t need inflatables/ That’s what the waves are for” 

“MOOD 4 EVA” — Beyonce, Jay Z, Childish Gambino, Oumou Sangare

Featured on former President Obama’s songs of the summer, “Mood 4 Eva” reminds us just how powerful we are. This star-studded collaboration is a blissful taste of confidence on the gloomiest days. Who doesn’t need Beyoncé to remind us how poor we are?

Our favorite lyric: “Stay in your struggle, crystal blue water/ Piña colada-in’, you stay Ramada Inn / My baby father, bloodline Rwanda”

“Ooh Wee” — Your Smith

This is a great walking-to-class song, as it gets you feeling so loose and free with the lyrics. Just wait until you get to the chorus, and you won’t want to do anything but dance. Your Smith, who is an alter ego for Caroline Smith, sings about a crush that you manage to run into everywhere and we can all relate to that.

Our favorite lyric: “Tell me if you’re hungry / Milkshake with some eggs and bacon, baby”

“outta my mind” — monsune

Need a song on your playlist to calm down the stress of syllabus week as the real work starts to pile up? “outta my mind” is the perfect song to chill out with the funky bassline that holds throughout the whole song. From the beginning to the very end, the soulful vocals accompanied by the rhythm of the instruments soothe your psyche. 

Our favorite lyric: “Uh, baby, I can’t let you out of my sight / Uh, baby, I don’t care if you ain’t my type”