10 Best College Anime That You Should Watch

College anime provides captivating coming-of-age plots for viewers embarking on their next stage of life. These shows set in universities depict young adults as they navigate unfamiliar duties, viewpoints, and autonomy, accompanied by elements of comedy, drama, and romance.

These college anime offer a variety of themes, including career goals, light comedy, cultural insights on higher education, and visually captivating scenes driven by passion. We have compiled a list of 10 standout college anime across various genres that every anime fan should watch for an authentic collegiate experience.

Please note: This article is solely the opinion of the writer and is not listed in any specific order.

10 Must-Watch College Anime for Young Adults

The Tatami Galaxy

Upon registering, a nameless third-year student from Kyoto University continually traverses through alternate realities, in search of a rosy-colored college experience, participating in various clubs, and forming relationships with different personas.

The Tatami Galaxy, an animated surrealist dark comedy, offers a thought-provoking introspection into the protagonist’s past decisions. Madhouse Studios’ dizzying lens adds to the visual interest and cultural touches, while the film’s rich metaphors deliver poignant lessons on seizing the opportunities of youth.

2) Honey and Clover

This renowned college anime is based on Chica Umino’s manga and follows the story of five students studying at an art college in Tokyo. Through their shared passion for creativity and the challenges they face as young adults, they form strong bonds and navigate the balance between pursuing their career dreams and dealing with unexpected obstacles in life.

J.C. Staff skillfully captures the beauty of campus landscapes in each season, perfectly complementing the bittersweet coming-of-age tale.

With a focus on friendship and mentorship, accompanied by a well-matched ensemble cast, Honey and Clover effectively pulls on the heartstrings with its relatable and insightful character development, making it an ideal choice for mature audiences.

Golden Time

After graduating from high school, Tada Banri embarks on a new journey as he enrolls in a law school in Tokyo. However, his first day takes an unexpected turn when he suffers from retrograde amnesia after an accident.

His newfound friendships on campus lead him to uncover connections to his forgotten past, which could potentially jeopardize his budding romance with Koko Kaga.

J.C. Staff once again impresses with their adaptation of Yuyuko Takemiya’s light novel series in this college-themed anime. The show effectively portrays the tumultuous nature of young love and self-discovery, set against the charming backdrop of a college town that allows viewers to immerse themselves in the characters’ experiences.

Genshiken

The plot of this comedy anime revolves around Kanji Sasahara, a first-year college student who joins the “Genshiken”club at his university. The club consists of passionate otaku who are often ostracized by society, allowing Kanji to freely delve into his love for anime and manga without fear of criticism.

Genshiken uses humor to portray common tropes and stereotypes, providing an endearing and genuine perspective on niche hobbies through relatable characters. With clever references for knowledgeable viewers, this anime about college life showcases the strong bonds formed within passionate communities.

Science Fell In Love, So I Decided to Prove It

Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It (Image via Zero-G)

Ayame Himuro, a rationalist, and Shinya Yukimura, a mathematically-inclined peer, are both well-known science majors at Saitama University. They are assigned to work together in the laboratory for research. Despite their individual quirks, their common scientific and logical perspectives bring them together intellectually and emotionally.

Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It offers a perfect blend of romantic chemistry sparked by STEM field academics and infused with clever humor. This delightful college anime is bound to charm fans of romantic comedies with its comical and heartwarming moments.

6) Fashion Design in Paradise Kiss

As a fashion design student, Yukari Hayasaka is unexpectedly introduced to a clique of fashion-forward art school students who immerse her in their extravagant lifestyle of daring fashion shows and complicated relationships. This experience ultimately forces Yukari to come face to face with her own future.

Ai Yazawa’s bold josei manga is brought to life through the work of Madhouse Studios and the direction of Shinichi Omata, showcasing unconventional character designs and a unique visual style.

Despite the standard tropes often seen in depictions of collegiate passions and dream-chasing, the bold style and substance of Paradise Kiss continue to be refreshingly progressive even by today’s standards, offering a unique perspective on melting pot dynamics.

Run With the Wind

Kakeru Kurahara, a former elite runner at Kansei University, meets Haiji Kiyose, a fellow slacker, and is convinced to move into a budget-friendly apartment complex with other tenants. In exchange for lodging, they are required to join a newly formed college running team that is being led by ambitious Haiji.

This anime drama set in a sports college effectively portrays the determination and teamwork required for relay runners to push themselves to their emotional and physical limits, creating a resonant experience. In addition to the intense races, the in-depth exploration of characters and their complex motivations adds depth to the bonds of camaraderie among college athletes, making this a must-see.

8) Grand Blue

As Iori Kitahara settles into his new life in a seaside town for college, he finds himself living with his lively uncle and being pulled into the world of drinking and mischief with the upperclassmen of the Oceanography Diving Club fraternity house.

In a bold and unapologetic manner, Zero-G Studios’ college comedy spares no punches as it portrays both the wild and sensitive moments of a close-knit found family behind closed doors.

For those craving unadulterated college mayhem that goes beyond studying, Grand Blue offers plenty of approved laughs.

Nodame Cantabile

Despite his immense talent as a piano student and future orchestral conductor, Shinichi Chiaki struggles with maintaining discipline in all aspects of his disorganized life outside of music.

The world of talented but disorganized pianist Megumi Noda (also known as “Nodame”) is turned upside down when she becomes Chiaki’s neighbor. J.C. Staff expertly brings Tomoko Ninomiya’s delightful josei manga to the screen, with exceptional voice acting that captures the essence of the music college setting.

This anime also showcases the amusing conflicts between personalities, which contribute to the heartwarming dynamic of the endearing odd couple who becomes the leads. Nodame Cantabile beautifully depicts the determination and commitment required to pursue artistic aspirations, interwoven with comedic elements that add to the touching love story that is guaranteed to resonate with viewers.

10) Rent-A-Girlfriend

Rent-A-Girlfriend (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Following the unexpected breakup with his girlfriend, college sophomore Kinoshita Kazuya hires a substitute rental girlfriend, Chizuru Mizuhara, in order to fulfill his emotional needs. However, as their professional fake relationship progresses, keeping it hidden from family and friends while also navigating their own growing feelings becomes increasingly complex.

Tao Animation Studio has successfully adapted Reiji Miyajima’s popular manga into an animated series, effectively portraying the vulnerabilities and strong connections developed between the main characters.

Rent-A-Girlfriend captures viewers’ attention with its unique “girlfriend for rent”premise set against a college backdrop, showcasing a sweet and romantic progression. The anime’s light twists, reminiscent of popular favorites like Nagi Asu: A Lull in the Sea or Golden Time, solidify its place on this list of must-watch college-themed anime.

Conclusion

Overall, the university experience provides students with the opportunity to explore new possibilities and discover more about themselves, while also fostering a sense of community among those who share similar interests.

Through highlighting the bonds formed through common vocations, living spaces, and aspirations, these college-themed anime effectively portray the highs and challenges of the collegiate experience through captivating character development.

To fully experience the diverse world of college anime, make sure to include these exceptional college anime series in your watchlist.