Essential Movies to Watch Before College
By: Jordan Zimmerman
There are a lot of emotions that come with starting college as a freshman at The Ohio State University. The transition can be overwhelming, emotional and exciting as you begin the next chapter of your life as a Buckeye. To help comfort you through the change and prepare you for the new environment of college, there are some valuable movies to watch before beginning your first semester.
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“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
This is a classic teen movie about being young, having fun and making the most of life. Ferris Bueller, a high school senior about to graduate, embarks on an adventure with his friends while skipping school. The trio goes on a quest to have as much fun as possible and make the most of their free day while exploring the city of Chicago. This is an important film to watch before going off to college because it reminds us to not take life too seriously, a good message to keep in mind once the demand of your college courses begins. This film also serves as a reminder to appreciate your friends and family and to always believe in yourself.
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2. “Pitch Perfect”
This film follows a freshman named Becca as she navigates her first year at college and becomes involved in her school’s acapella group. Through joining this organization, Becca makes lasting friendships and memories while also developing her passion for music. This light-hearted comedy provides a good example of a supportive friend group developed in college and how surrounding yourself with the right people can help shape your first year experience. This film is an especially good watch before heading to Ohio State because it shows how getting involved can help you make the most of your freshman year.
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3. “Toy Story 3”
The third installment of the Toy Story series takes place as the character Andy prepares to leave home for his first year of college. Andy hesitates to leave his toys, and childhood, behind at the end of the movie as he moves away on his own for the first time. This film features some of the emotions that come with leaving home and moving away to campus during your freshman year. I would recommend watching this film again before leaving for college because it reminds you to value the memories of your childhood and appreciate your family and friends.
Image source: Disney+
4. “Mean Girls”
While this classic teen movie takes place in high school, many of the lessons shown in the film can be applied to your first year at Ohio State. The film follows Cady, a new student from Africa, through her first year at her new American high school. As she navigates her academics and school involvement, she is forced to confront the reality of making friends in a new place. In many ways as a first year student, you are Cady! Finding yourself in a new environment can be complicated and stressful, but this movie provides a comedic perspective on navigating a new place filled with new people.
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5. “Legally Blonde”
This college movie follows Elle Woods through her first year at Harvard Law School in a classic fish out of water story. Woods is challenged through the rigorous academics at her new school as she also navigates tricky relationships with her classmates. You should watch this film before leaving for school not only because it’s a classic college comedy, but because it teaches the valuable lessons of working hard for what you want and always believing in yourself, even when faced with challenges.
Image Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Your first year at Ohio State can be a complicated, yet exciting time, filled with lots of ups and downs. Watching these films can help comfort you through the change as you adjust to your new home and environment. Sit down and have a movie night with your friends or family to watch these films before moving away to campus. I hope you find that these films are helpful as you navigate your first year of college at The Ohio State University.
