Freshman year: the start of your entire undergraduate experience. It’s a first time for everything — being away from parents, waiting in line for burgers at 4 a.m., joining any and every club as a means of “finding yourself”. It’s a time like no other. Of course, every important event needs an awesome soundtrack. Here are the quintessential songs for the important and characteristically freshman moments you will undoubtedly experience.

When you first meet your crew

“We’re Going to Be Friends” – The White Stripes

This is a pretty standard accompaniment for first days of school everywhere; a time for new friends, new lessons and, most importantly, new memories. It’s got just enough of the indie vibe to help you transition from the end of summer to the easy breeze of fall. Though the weather isn’t Binghamton University’s selling point, its Octobers are truly a thing of beauty.

When you run into your orientation friends

“Strangers” – Seven Lions, Myon & Shane 54 ft. Tove Lo

Sorry guys, the stats aren’t good. Unless you end up living on the same floor or commit to the same club, chances are that your BFFs at orientation will become a distant memory at whom you’ll smile for the first few months while awkwardly humming this tune.

Getting ready to go out for the first time

“Scream & Shout” – will.i.am & Britney Spears; “Anaconda” – Nicki Minaj; “All Night” – Icona Pop

Now, your first college party can go many different ways, depending on whether you’re an experienced partygoer or you’re trying to just get out of your shell. Either way, getting ready to push your way onto a blue bus outside of the University Union while hyping yourself up for a night Downtown is always an experience. Get ready with these slightly outdated yet nonetheless energetic jams. Because who doesn’t need to start moving when Britney and Nicki come on?

Being on your own with your peers

“The Youth” – MGMT

The time will come when you’re hanging with your friends and ignore a call from your parents. In this moment, you’ll have the freshman breakthrough that you’re officially (almost) on your own.

The first time you get rejected from something

“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift

Whether it’s an a cappella group, the School of Management or the person you’ve been eyeing in chem class, you are bound to get rejected at some point during freshman year. Don’t worry, it’s totally normal and happens to everyone. Cure your sadness by dancing around your room and belting out some T-swift, the queen of lyrical bashing of exes. Word is that this song also works well as a drinking game if you need to drown your sorrows even more.

First good/bad grade

“I Don’t Fuck With You” – Big Sean

Whether you’re upset about failing your first biology 117 test or you just killed it on a calculus I quiz, this aggressive anthem is your go-to. Just remember not to scream the lyrics at your professor.

First party where you go too far

“Hungover” – Ke$ha

We all know that Ke$ha is the partying guru. It’s no shocker that she sums up the feeling of your first terrible blackout with the line, “Now the party’s over, and everybody’s gone. I’m left here with myself and I wonder what went wrong.” Spend your morning listening to this while gathering the remnants of your lost night.

When you just need to take a breath

“Threnody” – Goldmund

This calming instrumental tune is perfect for for the endless nights spent cramming for finals, rushing through those 10-page papers at Glenn G. Bartle Library or for the walks back as you enjoy the solitude that is a frozen campus.

After your first fight with your roommate

“When They Fight They Fight” – Generationals

Unless you’re used to sharing a room or went to summer camp, having a roommate might be a brand new and daunting experience for you. Even if you two are the best of friends, you’ll probably fight at least once while sharing a small living space. Cool off from an argument by listening to this upbeat track.

Awaiting finals scores

“Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” – The Smiths

This song screams anxiety and desperation, which allows it to perfectly compliment that first terrifying batch of final grades — or any grades, for that matter. Try listening to it while walking bundled in your coat on the Brain and looking at the sun through a gray Binghamton sky to really set the mood.