Must-Watch Films For Incoming Freshers
With Freshers’ Week just around the corner, campuses across the globe are buzzing with excitement as thousands of students prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
The transition to university life can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking, as new students step into adulthood and independence. To help you get ready for this big change, here’s a list of the best films about university life that will get you in the perfect mood before you dive into your own university experience.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003) — Netflix
Set in the 1950s, this film follows Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts), a progressive art history professor at Wellesley College, who challenges her female students to think beyond traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
This movie inspires viewers to think critically and question societal norms, which is an important mindset for anyone attending university. It also highlights the importance of finding one’s own voice and path in life.
Dead Poets Society (1989) — Disney+
Set in a conservative all-boys prep school, the film follows an English teacher (Robin Williams) who inspires his students to embrace life passionately and think for themselves through the lens of poetry.
This movie encourages viewers to seize the day “carpe diem” and value creativity — all of which are essential elements of a good university education.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) — Disney+
A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this romantic comedy revolves around the complicated relationship between Kat (Julia Stiles) and Patrick (Heath Ledger).
The film provides a light-hearted look at teenage romance, rebellion, and the difficulties of being true to oneself, laying the groundwork for the more mature relationships and experiences that come with university life.
She’s All That (1999) — Netflix
In this teen romantic comedy, popular high school jock Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.) makes a bet that he can transform Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook), a geeky, introverted girl, into the next prom queen. As Zack spends more time with Laney, he begins to fall for her, realising that there’s more to people than what’s on the surface.
She’s All That takes a light-hearted, nostalgic look at high school dynamics and the concept of transformation. It’s a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that real connections are more important than fitting into a popular mould, which is an important message for anyone starting fresh in a new university environment.
The Breakfast Club (1985) — Netflix
Five high school students from different cliques spend a Saturday in detention together, discovering they have more in common than they thought.
This classic film is a deep dive into stereotypes and the importance of looking beyond them, which is an essential lesson for navigating the diverse social landscape of university.
Good Will Hunting (1997) — Apple TV
Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a janitor at MIT, is discovered to be a mathematical genius. With the help of a therapist (Robin Williams), he must confront his past and future.
This film is a powerful narrative about potential, mentorship, and the importance of facing personal demons, resonating deeply with the transformative nature of university life.
Legally Blonde (2001) — Apple TV
Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is a sorority girl who, after being dumped, decides to prove everyone wrong by enrolling in Harvard Law School. Against all odds, she excels, showing that there’s more to her than meets the eye.
This movie is a powerful reminder that you should never let others define your capabilities. It’s about breaking stereotypes and thriving in unexpected places, a perfect message for anyone starting a new chapter in university.
Mean Girls (2004) — Apple TV
Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) navigates the complex social landscape of high school after being home-schooled in Africa. She quickly finds herself entangled in a web of high school drama and the infamous Plastics clique.
Though set in high school, Mean Girls offers sharp insights into social dynamics and the need of remaining true to oneself, themes that are just as equally applicable to university life.
Clueless (1995) — Amazon Prime
Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) is a wealthy, popular high school student in Beverly Hills who plays matchmaker for her friends, while also learning about life and love.
Clueless is a playful yet insightful look at growing up, self-discovery, and the value of empathy and understanding which are key aspects of the university experience.
Pitch Perfect (2012) — Amazon Prime
This musical comedy revolves around Beca (Anna Kendrick), a freshman who joins a struggling all-girls acapella group at her university. The group’s journey to the national competition is filled with humour, music, and friendship.
Pitch Perfect is a fun look at the social aspect of university life, showcasing the importance of finding your community, embracing new experiences, and balancing fun with responsibilities.
The Edge of Seventeen (2016) — Apple TV
Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) is an awkward high school junior facing typical teenage problems, complicated by her brother dating her best friend. It’s a coming-of-age story filled with honest humour and heartache.
This film captures the confusion and emotional rollercoaster of young adults, preparing viewers for the often-turbulent transition to university and the search for identity.
The DUFF (2015) — Netflix
Bianca (Mae Whitman) learns she’s the “Designated Ugly Fat Friend” of her friend group and sets out to redefine herself and her place in the social hierarchy.
This movie humorously addresses self-acceptance, the pressures of social labels, and the importance of confidence, all of which are valuable lessons for first-year students.
22 Jump Street (2014) — Amazon Prime
Undercover cops Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) return to college to crack a new case, encountering the highs and lows of university life.
This comedy provides a funny view on the absurdities and challenges of university life, making it an excellent choice for light-hearted entertainment before starting school.
The Social Network (2010) — Amazon Prime
A biographical drama about the creation of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and the legal battles that followed.
This film captures the entrepreneurial spirit, the impact of technology, and the intense rivalries that can occur in university settings, offering a glimpse into the world of innovation and ambition.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) — Amazon Prime
Charlie (Logan Lerman), a socially awkward teenager, navigates high school life with the help of his new friends Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller).
The film explores themes of friendship, mental health, and self-discovery, resonating with anyone about to step into a new environment and forge new connections.
To All the Boys: Always and Forever(2021) — Netflix
The third instalment in the To All the Boys series follows Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) as she navigates her final year of high school and contemplates her future, including college decisions and her relationship with Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). The film explores how her choices will shape her relationships and her identity.
This film beautifully captures the bittersweet transition from high school to college, dealing with the excitement and fears of moving on to the next chapter. It’s a heartfelt exploration of love, growth, and making big life choices, making it relatable for anyone on the cusp of their university journey.
High School Musical 3: Senior Year(2008) — Disney+
In this final instalment of the High School Musical series, Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens), and their friends face their senior year and the upcoming challenges of graduation. They must decide what their futures will look like and how to stay connected despite going their separate ways.
High School Musical 3 is about celebrating the end of an era while also embracing the unknown future. With catchy songs and relatable themes about friendship, dreams, and change, it’s an uplifting way to reflect on leaving high school behind and stepping into the world of university.
Monsters University (2013) — Disney+
A prequel to Monsters, Inc., this animated film follows Mike and Sulley during their college years as they train to become professional scarers.
Monsters University is a playful and heart-warming story about friendship, competition, and finding one’s place in a new environment, perfect for lightening the mood before the university experience.
