Looking for the perfect playlist for studying to help you power through assignments, revise for exams, or just get in the zone? The right music can make a huge difference to your focus, mood and motivation, and did you know that the beats per minute (BPM) matters too?
No matter if you’re studying in your room, the library, or a quiet café, we’ve got tips, science-backed advice, and study playlist ideas to help you stay focused and get more work done.
The short answer is: it depends.
Music can really help you study, but this will depend on the person and the task. A 2007 study has proven that listening to music is a great way to help your brain better absorb, adapt and interpret new information, especially tracks of 60BPM that match the human heart rate.
Study music, regardless of which type, offers your brain just enough stimulation to keep you alert without competing with your thoughts. Genres like lo-fi, classical, ambient, or acoustic are ideal for this, and we’ll explore them in more detail soon.
That said, everyone is different. Some students swear by absolute silence, while others need a gentle beat to stop their minds from wandering. Typically, if you’re feeling anxious or distracted, finding the right playlist to study can really help ground you.
Great studying playlists tend to share similar traits. These include:
Not all music helps you focus, but the right kind can make studying feel easier and more productive. The best study playlists can help you feel calmer, more motivated, less stressed, or simply block out distractions when you're trying to concentrate.
Some of the best music for studying include meditation music, ambient music, lo-fi music, binaural beats, nature sounds, instrumental music, jazz, piano, and classical music.
Read on to learn more about each type!
Lo-Fi, short for low fidelity, is all about soft beats, mellow melodies, and subtle background noise. Its relaxed and repetitive vibe makes it a student favourite for late-night study sessions or quiet library time.
With the average BPM of Lo-Fi being around 60 to 90, the same as your resting heart rate, it helps reduce anxiety and keeps your mind engaged without overwhelming it.
Classical music has long been linked to improved memory, concentration, and cognitive function. Its structure and lyric-free nature make it perfect for tasks that need serious brainpower, like essay writing or complex problem-solving.
The average BPM of classical songs can vary between 60-140 BPM. This said, a lot of students choose it as their study music as it can help create a sense of focus and flow.
Meditation music is designed to slow down the mind and body, helping you stay calm during high-pressure revision periods. It often features soft drones, ambient tones and very slow progressions which are around 50-80 BPM.
Students often listen to meditation music to wind down while studying, reduce stress, encourage deeper concentration or manage exam-related anxiety.
Ambient music, typically ranging from 60 to 80 BPM, creates an immersive, atmospheric background that supports focus without pulling attention away from your studies.
While it doesn’t follow a strict beat, ambient music is minimal, and the flowing soundscape helps reduce overstimulation and provides a consistent mood for deep concentration.
Binaural beats use two different frequencies in each ear to produce a perceived third tone in the brain. Depending on the effect, the beat frequency can mimic brainwaves at around 4–30 Hz, but the background music often has a BPM of 60 to 80.
Many students find binaural beats helpful for entering a state of flow while studying as these stimulate specific brainwaves that are scientifically proven to improve focus, alertness and calmness.
Sounds like rain, flowing water, or forest birds offer a natural way to relax while studying. They help mask background noise and create a peaceful study environment.
Students often choose nature sounds when they need to feel grounded or want to simulate a calming outdoor atmosphere. These don’t follow a traditional BPM, but they work well with other music or on their own.
Instrumental music has no lyrics and usually sits between 60 to 90 BPM, which makes it perfect for staying focused and setting a steady pace for your work.
If you get easily distracted by words while revising or writing, this type of music can really help – especially when you’ve got deadlines coming up!
Soft, instrumental jazz is a favourite for students who want something chilled but not too sleepy. Its steady rhythm and flowing feel can keep your brain engaged, making it great for creative work like writing, designing or brainstorming.
Jazz music usually sits around 70 to 100 BPM, which gives it a good balance between calm and energetic.
Piano music is clear, calm and expressive, and has around 60 to 80 BPM, which makes it perfect for quiet study sessions. Its soft, lyric-free sound helps you focus without pulling your attention away.
If you’re looking to create a simple, stress-free and steady atmosphere then adding piano music as background noise can be beneficial.
Putting together the perfect study playlist can take time, but don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you! Check out our very own hand-picked playlist for studying designed to help you focus without distractions.
Be sure to explore different genres, learn what helps you study best, and find your flow. Still looking for student accommodation in Liverpool or Ormskirk? We’ve also got you covered.
Since 2013, at Stockton Students we have been offering affordable and modern student homes close to campus, with a strong focus on improving student wellbeing.
With support from our in-house wellness coach, Ollie, plus regular social events, we’re here to make your uni experience smooth, supported and stress-free.
Book your student home today or get in touch with our friendly team!
