“College is a time for trying new things,” is a sentiment has been pounded into our generation’s head for years and years because it is true: You’re in a new place filled with new people to meet, new adventures to be had and new drugs to become dependent on.

Once you’ve tried everything there is to try, consider expanding this school of thought to your iTunes library. We listen to what we like because it’s good stuff, but it’s possible that the artists and genres we’ve been ignoring are fantastic as well. I continue to relearn this all the time, but never more so than in August 2010, when I started listening to post-rock.

It’s a primarily instrumental genre characterized by atmospheric guitar work and long, progressive song structures. It’s a style of music that has opened my ears to the world of instrumental music and other genres I had overlooked. Everybody should at least give post-rock a shot, but it’s tough to know where to start. The term “post-rock” is broad and encompasses a radically diverse set of bands.

Let me help. I’ll tell you about eight great albums to get you started on your post-rock listening, depending on what music you enjoy now. This isn’t a top post-rock albums list, since I’ve left out more challenging bands like Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Rather, use this list to figure out what the best entry point into the world of post-rock is for you.

“The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place” by Explosions in the Sky

Explosions are arguably the world’s biggest post-rock band and easily my favorite, probably because they were my first. “The Earth” was the first album of theirs I listened to, and it blew me away. The group uses a setup of drums and three guitars to create a shimmering, light-but-aggressive soundscape that is mountainous. I’ve called “The Earth” my favorite album of all time, and I don’t think I’ve changed my mind.

If you enjoy bands such as The xx, Exitmusic, M83 and The Verve in their early days, then check out this album.

“Young Mountain” by This Will Destroy You

It’s their first EP, meant to be a demo, but it’s my favorite release by them. I saw TWDY perform in a small club in Boston for $12, and it was the best concert I’ve ever been to. Their music nowadays is closer to drone music — check out their album “Tunnel Blanket” if you’re into that. In the beginning, they were similar to Explosions, except that they were warmer-sounding and a bit edgier. If you’ve seen the ESPN documentary “The Fab Five,” then you’ve heard the best song from this album, “Quiet,” which played over the film’s final minutes.

Check this album out if you are into bands like Silversun Pickups, Fever Ray or any of the groups I listed for Explosions.

“Ágætis Byrjun” by Sigur Ros

If a casual music listener knows a post-rock band, it’s probably Sigur Ros, one of the few post-rock groups to appear on American late night television, performing on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” in March. “Ágætis Byrjun,” released in 1999, is their best album. Their best song is probably “Festival,” which played during the climax of “127 Hours.”

Check this album out if you are into film scores or bands like Beach House, Bon Iver and Liars.

“Shutter Release” by Lymbyc Systym

Of the records on this list, this is the one that strays the furthest away from traditional post-rock, but it is also one of the best. This pair of brothers have rejected the term and make electronic-inspired instrumental rock music, the best of which is found on this album. It’s melancholic and exciting, but if that’s not your thing, listen to their more optimistic new album, 2012’s “Symbolyst.”

Check this album out if you are into bands like Radiohead, Yeasayer or Alt-J.

“If I Could See Dallas” by Japancakes

Post-rock and country don’t tend to have much in common, but they overlap here, primarily through Japancakes’ used of pedal steel guitar, which gives their otherwise Explosions-like music a Nashville twang. It’s an interesting change of pace that’s infinitely relaxing.

Check this album out if you are into country music or bands like My Morning Jacket and The Grateful Dead.

“Everywhere and Right Here” by The Six Parts Seven

This album is actually more soothing that the Japancakes one. It has an almost lounge jazz feel with its use of vibraphone and relaxed tempo. No songs stand out in particular, but when taken as an album, sometimes this one hits the spot.

Check this album out if you are into jazz or bands like Massive Attack, Eels and Funkadelic’s long jams.

“All is Violent, All is Bright” by God is an Astronaut

For those who like their rock alternative and their testosterone levels high, here you are. God is an Astronaut’s sound is spacy but hard and edgy. “All is Violent” is a powerful assault that periodically stops for menacing quiet portions that give you a second to catch your breath before your heart rate picks back up.

Check this album out if you are into alternative rock or bands like Brand New or My Bloody Valentine.

If These Trees Could Talk’s self-titled album

This record falls somewhere between God is an Astronaut and Explosions. I guess they sound like a more conventional and straightforward version of the aforementioned post-rock greats Mogwai. If Explosions in the Sky had a rough time in high school, this is the sound of them getting revenge on all who had the nerve to bully them.

Check this album out if you are into the same groups listed for This Will Destroy You and God is an Astronaut.