Little white earbuds. They’re everywhere: between classes, on the MetroLink, in Subway lines. Apple changed the way we listen to music with the iPod, and those little white earbuds are now a fashion statement. To a certain extent, one can glean aspects of another’s character by considering the music he carries in his pocket. But it was not always so.

Welcome to Wash U, incoming freshman! You are about to be thrown into a pressure cooker of arts and entertainment, surrounded by culture 24/7. And some of that taste is more highly valued than others. Make sure you grab your place in the musical hierarchy early on with these simple playlist suggestions.