5 Recommended Anime about College Life Perfect for New Students!

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Rachel Carisa Oswandi

Some of us still enjoy watching cartoon animations like anime because they take us back to our childhood. Anime like SHINCHAN, DORAEMON, and POKEMON are definitely familiar to KLovers. Apart from these three anime, there are various genres of anime out there that are very interesting to watch even though we have grown up.

When we watch, it is definitely more interesting if the story relates to real life. For example, stories about school life are very popular among viewers, there are many anime that depict high school, middle school, elementary school, and even kindergarten life. The stories are presented in an unusual way, making viewers feel comfortable and addicted to watching.

For KLovers who are in college or about to enter the world of college, don't worry. Because there are many anime with college themes that are equally interesting. Let's check out the article below because there will be 5 recommended anime about college life that you can watch to fill your vacation.

1. Run With The Wind

Poster anime Run With The Wind (credit: imdb.com)

This first anime will motivate KLovers, especially those of you who love sports. RUN WITH THE WIND was released in 2018 with a total of 23 episodes. This anime comes from Production I.G studio, which has produced anime ATTACK ON TITAN and HAIKYUU!

RUN WITH THE WIND tells the story of Kakeru Kurahara, a former top runner from Sendai Josei High School who was expelled from a convenience store for stealing. While running away, he meets Haiji Kiyose, another student from his university. Haiji is impressed by Kakeru's agility and convinces him to stay at Chikusei-sou, an old apartment where Haiji lives with eight other students. Reluctantly, Kakeru agrees to the offer after losing all the money he had deposited as a down payment for his apartment in a mahjong place.

However, during the welcoming event, Haiji reveals a surprising secret that their apartment is actually the Kansei University Running Club dormitory. He talks about his ambition to participate in the Hakone Ekiden, a prestigious university marathon relay race in Japan. However, all the residents except Haiji and Kakeru are inexperienced runners. Even worse, they are not interested at all in Haiji's plan. These fourth-year students only have a few months left before the deadline to convince them and make their difficult dream of running in the Hakone Ekiden come true.

2. Nodame Cantabile

Anime poster Nodame Cantabile (credit: imdb.com)

If the previous anime was suitable for men, this anime will make women feel elated. Anime NODAME CANTABILE is a romantic comedy genre with 23 episodes and has been released since 2007. The studio that produced this anime is the same as the anime SHOKUGEKI NO SHOUMA and SAIKI KUSUO NO SOUNAN, which is J.C.Staff. 

This romantic anime tells the story of Shinichi Chiaki, a talented musician who dreams of performing among the top musicians in the world in Europe. Coming from a respected family, he has a reputation as a tireless perfectionist, setting high standards for himself and others. However, Shinichi's dream of going to Europe is hindered by his fear of flying, so his career is limited to Japan.

In his final year at the most prestigious music university in Japan, Shinichi crosses paths with Megumi Noda or Nodame. At first glance, she appears to be a messy young woman with an uncertain future. However, after hearing Nodame play the piano, Shinichi is captivated by the unique music she produces. Nevertheless, Shinichi is shocked to learn that Nodame is his neighbor, which complicates everything, as Nodame becomes infatuated with him.

3. Moyashimon

Anime poster Moyashimon (credit: imdb.com)

For KLovers who are majoring in agriculture, you must watch this anime. MOYASHIMON, an anime that was released in 2007 and released its second season titled MOYASHIMON RETURNS in 2012, was produced by Telecom Animation and Shirogumi. Both studios have previously produced popular anime such as STAND BY ME DORAEMON and LUPIN. 

First semester student, Tadayasu Sawaki, has an extraordinary perspective. He has a unique ability that allows him to observe microorganisms with his eyes alone. Sawaki can see various forms of microscopic life, such as the fungus that causes athlete's foot or the yeast used in alcohol production, and he imagines them as adorable chibi creatures. Enrolled in an agricultural university, his extraordinary ability attracts the attention of several professors, including Professor Itsuki, who is an expert in fermentation.

At the beginning of his academic journey, Sawaki is somewhat indifferent to his ability, and he chooses to attend a agricultural school in Tokyo. However, with the support of the community around him, he slowly accepts the reality of his ability to see microbes. The group of professors and unique classmates at the university make Sawaki feel accepted as a regular student alongside his extraordinary ability.

4. Genshiken

Anime poster Genshiken (credit: imdb.com)

This anime with 3 seasons and 1 OVA tells a light-hearted story as it falls under the slice of life and comedy genres. Unlike some previous anime, this anime is not produced by the studio that oversees popular anime. However, this anime is produced by Genco, which is the same as SWORD ART ONLINE and TORADORA! anime.

 The story of this anime follows the journey of Kanji Sasahara, a first-semester college student who tends to be quiet, in search of a place that suits his personality. One day, accidentally, he discovers a group known as Genshiken with the goal of gathering various aspects of otaku culture. When he first visited this group, unfortunately, he had a bad experience as his pride was hurt by a senior, Harunobu Madarame. As a result, he left the meeting completely rejecting the otaku nature within him.

 However, as time goes by, Sasahara becomes more involved in group activities such as watching anime, reading manga, and attending conventions after forming friendships with one of the members like Makoto Kousaka, who turns out to be a hardcore otaku. There, he meets other interesting characters like Saki Kasukabe, Kousaka's girlfriend who strongly dislikes otaku culture, and she tries to change Kousaka into a "normal guy". While Saki tries to understand otaku culture and Kousaka's love for her, Sasahara begins to enjoy his time in Genshiken. Slowly, he lets go of the denial he once had about his identity as an otaku and immerses himself in the otaku lifestyle.

5. Honey And Clover

Anime poster Honey and Clover (credit: imdb.com)

This anime with a warm story set in college is perfect for those studying in the arts department. This anime tells a story of love, friendship, and dreams with a total of 24 episodes and has released 2 seasons and 1 special edition. This anime was first released in 2005 under the J.C.Staff studio, which is the same as the anime NODAME CANTABILE.

As a second-year art student, Yuuta Takemoto shares a cheap apartment with two seniors. One of them is the eccentric Shinobu Morita, who often skips classes and fails exams. Then there's Takumi Mayama, who is wise and acts as a good senior to Takemoto, often taking care of and protecting him.

At first, Takemoto doesn't care about his future. However, one beautiful spring day, everything changes when he meets the charming Hagumi Hanamoto. Love at first sight arises. Hagumi has exceptional talent in art and decides to enroll in the same university as Takemoto. There, she quickly becomes friends with Ayumi Yamada, a popular ceramics student. It turns out that Ayumi is already familiar with the three roommates and secretly holds deep feelings for one of them. This anime has a complex story about the intertwined relationships between five close friends.

(kpl/rcl)