Next Semester

"Next Semester" has been described as pop rock,^[3] pop-punk,^[4] post-punk,^[5] and garage rock.^[1] Theme wise, the song is considered to be a restless blast about wanting to begin again while still contending with what was in the past, containing lyrics that speak about the feeling of anxiety and an inescapable memory of standing in the road, in front of a moving vehicle, and escaping from being run over.^[6][7] According to Joseph, the song is "about a panic attack [he had] in college."^[8] The title alludes to the idea of starting fresh next semester.

Following days of speculation, "Next Semester" was officially announced on March 23, 2024. The band stated the song would be released "next week" and provided a teaser of the music video.^[9][10] The track, along with the music video, became available on March 27, 2024.^[6][11]

On March 17, 2024, the music video was filmed at The Smell in downtown Los Angeles.^[8] The music video for "Next Semester" was directed by Andrew Donoho with editing by Mark C. Eshleman and Tyler Joseph.^[12] As of January 28, 2026, it has garnered over 15 million views on YouTube.^[13] On April 17, 2024, the band released a behind-the-scenes video.^[14]

The video features the band performing the song in front of a crowd. The video consistently switches between shots of the concert and Joseph standing in the middle of a dimly lit road at night, presumably seen from the point-of-view of an oncoming vehicle.^[7]

"Next Semester" is featured in the video game Fortnite as a Jam Track.^[15]

Credits adapted from Twenty One Pilots' official YouTube channel.^{[16][dead link]}

Twenty One Pilots

• Tyler Joseph – vocals, bass, piano, synthesizers, programming, songwriting, production, ukulele
• Josh Dun – drums

Additional personnel

• Paul Meany – programming, production
• Adam Hawkins – mixing
• Joe LaPorta – mastering