Bops for Walking to Class

So, it’s a Monday morning, the first day of classes. You have completed your morning routine—you brushed your teeth, washed your face, put on your freshest fit, etc. Your first class starts at 9:30 a.m. and right now it is 9:15 a.m.

A few days ago, you were hanging out with some of your hall-mates and they told you about “Swat Seven.” The legend of the “Swat Seven” says that it only takes seven minutes to get anywhere on campus. Of course the myth is not entirely true for every student. Some people move slower, some move faster, but yesterday you went to find all of your classes just to make sure. From that excursion you learned that it only took you five minutes to get to your first class from your dorm. Nevertheless, it is your first day, and getting to your classroom a little early won’t hurt anyone.

You decide to leave the dorm at 9:20 a.m., thinking that if you get to your class a couple minutes early, you can take some deep breaths and collect your thoughts before class starts or introduce yourself to your professor. You feel a little nervous and kind of excited to start this new chapter of your life. In high school, you always listened to music on your way to school. The music always got you pumped. But what will you listen to today?

What I have just written was exactly what was on my mind the first day of classes freshman year. I did not know what to expect for my first actual school day at Swarthmore. I met some awesome people during Orientation, but I did not know who would be in my classes. Were my professors going to be like my teachers in high school, or would they be scary like the professors I see in the movies? Would I find all of my classes again? Who would I sit with at lunch?

Instead of dwelling on those questions, I decided that I would worry about my music choices. I needed something positive with an upbeat tempo. I needed songs that would put a pep in my step. I do not remember what songs I listened to on my first day, but I do have some suggestions for you. (Seeing as most songs are around three minutes long, listening to 2-3 songs during your walk should suffice for the Swat Seven Rule.)

If you love the number 7 as much as I do…

7/11 - Beyoncé (3:34)

7 Rings - Ariana Grande (2:59)

For the culture…

Good Day - Nappy Roots (4:22)

U Can’t Touch This - MC Hammer (4:17)

For those who hustle to class..

Magnolia - Playboi Carti (3:02)

Paper Planes - M.I.A. (3:24)

If you’re into EDM…

Chameleon - PNAU (3:18)

The Weekend (Funk Wav Remix) - SZA (2:52)

A flashback to the 90’s…

Jump Around - House of Pain (3:35)

Jump - Kriss Kross (3:15)

Throwing it way way back…

I Got You (I Feel Good) - James Brown (2:47)

My Brother - The J.B.’s (5:37)

p.s. The professors are not scary. They are all pretty chill! And there is always someone to sit with at Sharples.