It’s that time of year again: students are back on campus, and classes are back in session. Instead of dreading the start of the fall semester, why not make it feel cinematic? Think about it… Take your favorite movies set on college campuses and turn them into inspiration for fun activities that make your college experience feel like a movie! I decided to create a list of ways to turn your fall semester into a cinematic masterpiece using some of your favorite college movies.

Performances/Entertainment

  • 🎬 Pitch Perfect (2015) — Go to an a cappella or live music performance. You don’t need to join the Bellas to get the experience. Find a campus concert, open mic, or performance and bring friends.
  • 🎬 Sydney White (2007) — Host a movie marathon in your room. Blankets, floor pillows, popcorn, snacks, and several movies that have absolutely nothing to do with your homework.
  • 🎬 Scream (2022) — Have a horror movie night.
  • 🎬Whiplash (2014) — Try out a new instrument for fun or start a band with your friends!

Studying

  • 🎬 Legally Blonde (2001) — Have a main-character study session. Grab a fun drink, find a cute study spot, put together an outfit you feel good in, and make studying feel a little less miserable.
  • 🎬 The Social Network (2010) — Have a late-night study/work session. Find a library corner, bring snacks and coffee, and work on something until way later than you probably should. It’s very college-movie coded.

Activities

  • 🎬 Monsters University (2013) — Have a residence hall floor game night. Cards, board games, Mario Kart, Jackbox, trivia—something competitive and chaotic captures the vibe without needing a giant competition.
  • 🎬The Holdovers (2023) — Enjoy your campus during the winter by planning cozy activities. Host a dinner party with your friends or have a comfy study session in your PJs with holiday movies in the background.
  • 🎬The Other Zoey (2023) — Take a ski trip with your friends. Enjoy the slopes and cocoa while taking a break from the craziness of college.
  • 🎬 22 Jump Street (2014) — Have a ridiculously competitive game night. Turn something ordinary like ping-pong, cornhole, pool, or intramural-style games into a tournament with friends.
  • 🎬 Accepted (2006) — Do something completely random with your friends. The movie is basically about creating your own college experience. Have everyone suggest one weird/fun activity and randomly choose one.
  • 🎬 The Internship (2013) — Do a campus scavenger hunt. Make a list of landmarks, weird campus features, photo challenges, and places freshmen should know. It’s also a fun way to discover campus during the first month.
  • 🎬 Happy Death Day (2017) — Explore campus at night with friends. Grab food, walk around well-lit, busy areas, take pictures, and see how different campus feels after dark.
  • 🎬People We Meet on Vacation (2026) — Take a spring break trip with your friends!

Sports

  • 🎬 Rudy (1993) — Go all-out for a college football game. Wear school colors, tailgate if your campus does it, learn the chants, and stay for the whole game.
  • 🎬 The Waterboy (1998) — Go to a sporting event you normally wouldn’t attend. Football is obvious, but volleyball, hockey, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and other sports can be just as fun. can be just as fun.
  • 🎬 Safety (2020) — Volunteer on campus with your teammates or friends. Find a cause you care about and spend a day giving back to your college community.

Whether you watch one of these movies and try its accompanying activity or create a list of your own, I hope your semester is filled with exciting experiences, amazing memories, and good company. Now, grab your friends and make the most of your college experience!