ASI Unfolded: Best Spotify Playlists for Studying

 

Do you ever get distracted while studying with everything going on campus or even just studying in your room? During my last three years at Cal Poly Pomona, I learned I am the type of student who needs to be in my physical and mental comfort zone to maximize my studying. A key part of my comfort zone for my studying sessions is a good Spotify playlist running in the background. Various studies have shown that music can improve endurance, focus, and motivation while studying. This is a curated list made up of some of my favorite Spotify official playlists that I hope can benefit you when starting a long session. 

Slowcore

The slowcore genre is described by Spotify as, “bare emotions and stripped-down intensity”. Thus, this playlist will not be a distraction while completing your tasks. The mellow sounding nature of this playlist grants listeners a focused mindset and gives off the thought to take things one step at a time. Relaxing vocals, strings, and drums should not take away the intensity the rock influence of this genre provides for listeners. Which is important, as you still need something to move your head to, even when studying. Listen to the Slowcore playlist here.

 

Ambient Japan

Ambient can be defined as music intended to serve as an unobtrusive accompaniment to other activities. The genre is characterized by its quiet and repetitive instrumentals. Seemingly, the nation of Japan has been the birthplace of many creatives in this genre. The Japanese electronic influence added to the ambient genre has spawned this amazing Spotify playlist for your studying sessions. Take a listen to Ambient Japan here.

 

Rain Sounds

Some may look at me strangely when I tell them that this playlist has been the crutch of some of my longest focusing sessions. As the official Spotify description states, it’s simply rain. The playlist features different rain patterns, with varying intensities of raindrops.  The tracks, not being actual songs, I believe enables one to get into a focused state of mind. Some parts include wind or thunder to sit in the atmosphere. I am probably a bit biased promoting this one onto my list rather than the other nature sound playlists, but nothing beats rain in my opinion. Clear your mind and take a listen here.

 

Lofi Cafe

The genre of lofi has seen a significant rise in popularity on the internet. Lofi is a subliminal subgenre of hip hop that includes elements like distortion and mellow sounds. As the name of the playlist states, it can also be described as cafe music. If you’re somebody that is on YouTube, you might have stumbled upon numerous “24/7 lofi beats for studying” live streams. These live stream’s chat boxes are filled with students from across the globe venting about what they are studying while listening to lofi beats. Soothe your ears with the Lofi Cafe playlist here.

 

Intense Studying

If piano instrumentals are your cup of tea, this playlist is for you. Spaced out scores, beautifully composed by various contemporary artists make up the bulk of this playlist. Taking you down different mellow melodies to enhance your focus, per the description. Listen to these amazing piano scores here.

 

What will you be listening to focus this semester? Hopefully whatever it is, it enables you to enter a deep focus to get your tasks done. Be sure to follow ASICPP on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to stay up to date on events happening on campus and share with us what your study playlists look like!