The soundtrack to the end

As a mere sophomore on this giant IU campus, my worries are few. Classes for next year are scheduled, plans for the summer are made, final exams are shaping up to be as ridiculous as always – but that’s to be expected. My final days of the semester are smooth sailing.

But for a large chunk of students on campus, these days are oh-so-bittersweet. For seniors graduating Saturday, these days are their last before striking out from the college fold into a post-graduate whirlwind that isn’t looking all that promising.

But for the time being, enjoy your final days as a wide-eyed college student and prepare for that final walk at graduation (if your parents are forcing you to go, that is).
So, as this season is upon us, nix the cliche grad jams and create a soundtrack for this momentous moment. Forget “Here’s to the Night” by Eve 6. Say a final goodbye to “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day.

Most importantly, don’t give in to the temptation to bust out “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C – it lost its luster circa 2001.

Need some suggestions? Try busting out these songs at your final get-togethers and graduation parties, and let the tear-filled hug sessions commence.

1. “In My Life” – Beatles
You can’t graduate without The Beatles by your side. Most of us have grown up with them, and this song is the perfect reflection on growing up and moving on.

2. “Give It Up” – The Format
Bittersweet nostalgia for distant memories and acoustic guitar melodies are the perfect combination for final college goodbyes.

3. “Born to Run” – Bruce Springsteen
Wide-eyed and hopeful, this song is an open invitation to leave behind the past for an even more exciting future.

4. “Glorious Day” – Weezer
With nothing but opportunity ahead, this tune is the perfect accompaniment for taking new chances.

5. “Life is An Adventure” – Violent Femmes
While the title just about sums it up, this bright, acoustic refrain is about living in the moment and taking advantage of the freedom that is in front of you.

6. “The Times They are A-Changin’” – Bob Dylan
Oh Bob, what would we do without your wise words? Take them to heart – they’ll serve you well.

7. “With Arms Outstretched” – Rilo Kiley
Jenny Lewis croons a heartening plea to take the chances you’ve always wished you would have.

8. “Shoulder to the Wheel” – Saves the Day
This upbeat, power-chord punch is about finding joy and taking stock in those small, shared moments with friends.

9. “Sound of Settling” – Death Cab for Cutie
As Ben Gibbard sings, “Our youth is fleeting, old age is just around the bend,” you can’t forget to embrace these beautiful days while they’re still within reach.

10. “First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes
College is more than the degree you’ve worked for – it’s about the relationships that got you through, and like Conor Oberst sings, they’re the ones that help you figure out who you are and where you want to go.