For The Record

Author: Melissa Marshall

H'okay, so, you've made a resolution to improve your life - a new school year, a new you! You may have even set the typical resolutions such as starting a paper before the night it is due or sculpting an uber-hot body that will be hidden under nine layers of clothing. More than likely, however, you will be one of the lucky people to hear the voice of God in the library at midnight, and the most your heart will accelerate is when you climb the steps to your fourth floor class in Munroe. Nonetheless, never fear! Your friendly local newspaper has a few tips that will make your goals easier to achieve than Tara Reid after a few Margaritas.

The hardest part of writing a paper is actually starting it. To get you in the mood, try some music that relaxes you and gets those brainwaves jumping. No matter how dorky, the classical genre does do the trick. Good selections are any of Chopin's nocturnes or pieces from Debussy. However, not all of us are as intense. If this is the case, try a softer-core version such as the Amélie or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind soundtracks. If you are still not ready to jump into this voluminous wordless field of music feet first, try the newest release from chamber pop quintet Matt Pond PA, Several Arrows Later, or the haunting melodies found on Modest Mouse's masterpiece The Moon and Antartica.

Unfortunately, writing noble-prize worthy essays are only half the battle - you may have to grace your professors with your presence occasionally as well. All iPods, and almost all portable mp3 players have an alarm clock option. Make a cheery, up-beat morning mix with such songs as "Love You Madly" by Cake, "July, July" by the Decemberists, "A Million Ways" by OK Go or "Hit Me" by Swedish sensation The Sounds, that will not only get you out from between the sheets but also dancing as you wage war with your skinny jeans. Keep the beats going - Sufjan Stevens or Rivers Cuomo will make the walk from the CFA to BiHall much more enjoyable. Plus headphones double as great earmuffs.

In following the advice of the venerable Alicia Silverstone, after taking care of your mind, you should take care of your body. When exercising, a playlist is essential in keeping your heart-rate and attention span at its peak. Some recommendations include Stellastarr's "My CoCo," Franz Ferdinand's "Darts of Pleasure" and The Artic Monkey's "I Bet You'd Look Good on the Dance Floor." Still, one cannot forget the timeless summer classics of '06 such as Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back" and Nelly Furtado's "Promiscous."

Let's face it, the college experience is not complete without a well-rounded social life - and alcohol can only achieve so much my friend. Try making the quintessential make-out mix. Who can resist the mournful melodies of Irish singer/songwriter Damien Rice or the strained vocals of Elliott Smith? Select tracks from The Counting Crows, Rufus Wainwright, or Interpol (Turn on the Bright Lights is divinely inspired) have also been known to get potential partners more excited than if they had found out that it was "breakfast for dinner" in the dining hall.

But one cannot enjoy this newly crafted life if the only sleep garnered happened to be during a three-hour French film. And if counting sheep makes you nervous about your economics exam, try plugging your earphones into these precious little diddies. Tori Amos' catalog, with her soothing voice and poignant piano, are sure to send you off to the land of Nod, and the quieter tracks from Death Cab or The Postal Service are staples as well thanks to the glorious quality of Ben Gibbard's voice. Or, worse comes to worse, just bring a tape recorder to your next English class.

So go forward, armed with your iPod and increased musical knowledge, and make this the healthiest, happiest school year yet! Or at least give your roomie a break from the Dave Matthews CD which has been in your computer since last April.