Although I love learning, going from a summer of lounging around to classes every day is always a difficult adjustment period. A strategy I’ve learned over the years is to romanticize academics and the school environment as much as possible, and one of my favorite ways is by watching a TV show or movie that will get me excited about going back. After years of field research — I’m chronically addicted to the same shows — here’s my complete list of approved things to watch when you need to love school again. 

1. Gilmore Girls 
   1. As mentioned, I am a proud rewatcher of TV shows, and my most infamous example is “Gilmore Girls.” Since my sophomore year of high school, I’ve had a tradition of watching the first episode on the first day of classes, as the first few seasons revolve around the main character, Rory, attending a new prestigious high school. Not only is the show’s timing perfect, as the storyline begins in fall, but the studiousness of the characters will inspire you to want to get your work done. As I’ve watched this show for so long, I’ve really felt a sense of growth with the characters and suspect many others also will upon watching. As I enter my last year of college, it feels almost cathartic to know how much this show has influenced me as a person and to watch it one last time as a university student. 
2. Legally Blonde 
   1. Outside of a vacation, I’ve spent this summer studying for the LSAT, and I can now confidently say nothing has tested me more academically than this exam. There was a lot of crying, anger and wanting to give up, but one of the movies that helped me get through it was “Legally Blonde.” This movie depicts a confident and sunny character named Elle Woods who attends Harvard Law School, beating the stereotype of the “dumb blonde.” Despite the struggle she faces to overcome it, she never loses her bright disposition, instead embracing it to advance her career. Elle Woods was unashamed of her goals and knew how to succeed. This movie is a great thing to watch when you need an extra reminder not to lose yourself in the pursuit of academics. 
3. Friends 
   1. Although this show doesn’t take place in college, I’ve found many of the morals and themes extremely relevant and an important reminder, especially for us soon-to-be graduates. To begin, this show proves time and time again that life doesn’t end when you turn 30, and most certainly not when we’re 22. When we’re in school, it’s often easy to lose focus on the bigger picture and what we’re working towards. These characters still had so much to accomplish and life to experience. Another big focus is — as the title may imply — the impact of your friends and the community around you. “Friends” is an important reminder that although your grades are important, the people you surround yourself with are necessary for a great college experience. 
4. Dead Poets Society
   1. If you need a movie that fully encapsulates the spirit of academia, I wholeheartedly recommend “Dead Poets Society.” I won’t lie and say it’s a feel-good movie, but despite the melancholy, it’s still easily one of my favorites. The movie is about a group of kids in a men’s boarding school who form a secret society devoted to literature. Through this project, they make important self-discoveries as they learn about their passions. Aided by a teacher portrayed by the late Robin Williams, the boys discover learning is not necessarily memorization, but rather engaging with and applying the texts to real-life situations. When you need a reminder of the value of education, along with a moral of going against the status quo, this is a movie I would highly recommend. 
5. Glee
   1. I’m a Gleek. For any former theater kid, you inevitably had an obsession with “Glee.” I, however, just never grew out of it. This satirical show features a high school a cappella group. Although this show sounds like it only appeals to a specific subset of people, I know of many people who were former musical haters who started to watch it because of the memorable characters and songs associated with “Glee.” Created by Ryan Murphy, who is also the director of “American Horror Story,” this show is unapologetically itself, with often over-the-top episodes and storylines. If you find yourself needing a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still has the school spirit, “Glee” is a great watch. 

Overall, as we approach the start of the semester, having comfort movies and TV shows is a great way to face the challenges associated with new beginnings. As we get caught up in the throes of the school year, these recommendations remind us that learning isn’t just important, but can also be fun. 

Emma Hannan considers herself a professional recommender — just look at her Letterboxd account. To reach out with comments or your own recommendations, you can reach her at [email protected].