University life as described by 80s song lyrics

Like many students, I enjoy listening to music as a form of therapy for my overwhelmed, stressed out mind.

Even in the 21st century, I find that the music of the 1980s (as well as being fantastic in general) bears striking parallels with the minor and major struggles I encounter in everyday life.

Therefore, I bring you the following tale of a day in the life of an average student, along with 80s lyrics that seem to align with it mysteriously well...

Out of nowhere, the sound of your alarm blares through the darkness. The weekend is over and it’s Monday again.

Six o'clock already I was just in the middle of a dream

'Manic Monday' - The Bangles

The Bangles - 'Different Light' album (1986)

Before you’ve even had a chance to mentally prepare for the day ahead, you stumble into your 9am lecture, only to be bombarded with more deadlines.

Under attack, I'm taking cover

'Under Attack' - ABBA

ABBA - 'The Visitors' album (1981)

You go to the library to study, but your phone sits next to you, beckoning and calling your name.

Trouble is coming Temptation

'Temptation' - Heaven 17

Heaven 17 - 'The Luxury Gap' album (1983)

Suddenly, you realise that your laptop is dangerously low on battery, but you’ve forgotten your charger and need it to last just a few more minutes so you can submit your essay.

I know you've got a little life in you yet I know you've got a lot of strength left

'This Woman's Work' - Kate Bush

Kate Bush - 'The Sensual World' album (1989)

You know that you want to succeed, but there's just so much to do and you have so little energy.

I want to be a lawyer I want to be a scholar But I really can't be bothered

'Sat In Your Lap' - Kate Bush

Kate Bush - 'The Dreaming' album (1982)

Later on, you go to your kitchen, excited to cook your dinner, but other people have left the place in a complete mess. You’re forced to spend half an hour cleaning before anything is remotely usable.

What have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this?

'What Have I Done to Deserve This?' - Pet Shop Boys

Pet Shop Boys - 'Actually' album (1987)

As the evening rolls on, you make some attempts to socialise.

There's a club if you'd like to go You could meet somebody who really loves you So you go and you stand on your own And you leave on your own And you go home and you cry And you want to die

'How Soon Is Now?' - The Smiths

The Smiths - 'Hatful of Hollow' album (1984)

But it seems that your computer might be better company anyway.

As the people here grow colder I turn to my computer And spend my evenings with it Like a friend

'Deeper Understanding' - Kate Bush

'Deeper Understanding' originally appeared in the album, 'The Sensual World' (1989), but a newly recorded version was released in the remix album, 'Director's Cut' in 2011. I already drew the cover of 'The Sensual World', so here's an illustration of 'Director's Cut' instead.

And finally, after a much needed Netflix binge, you lie down in bed thinking of all the things you could have done differently today.

If I could turn back time If I could find a way

'If I Could Turn Back Time' - Cher

Cher - 'Heart of Stone' album (1989)

Even though you know tomorrow probably won’t be any different.

Welcome to your life There's no turning back

'Everybody Wants To Rule The World' - Tears For Fears

Tears for Fears - 'Songs from the Big Chair' album (1985)

Hopefully your life isn’t quite as bleak as this story, but if you ever find yourself feeling down or stressed, have a break and listen to these songs, as well as other songs from the 80s.

Transport yourself to a time when even tales of heartbreak and melancholy could be placed alongside an upbeat melody and keep an entire disco on their feet.

(It wasn't until I finished this list that I realised three of these 10 songs are by Kate Bush. What can I say? I think more young people should listen to her.)