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Five Anime To Watch in College

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Anime is more popular than ever with college-age students; in fact, almost half of Gen Z watches it! Whether you love it for its relatable characters, inventive storylines, gripping psychology, or eye-popping animation, anime makes a fantastic entertainment choice while you’re in college.

Some anime even falls into the “edutainment” category — helping you to learn college-level concepts in creative ways.

Here are some that are worth checking out*:

1. Dr. Stone (STEM)

When a mysterious beam of light turns Earth’s population to stone — completely resetting technological advancement to the Stone Age — a brilliant student named Senku must use the power of science to get humankind back on its feet.

Dr. Stone features an engaging story filled with ethical dilemmas, colorful characters, and rib-tickling humor (all centered on scientific principles like biology, chemistry, medicine, and technology) as Senku struggles to rebuild the world.

2. Cells at Work! (Cellular Biology)

What dangers and adventures live within the human body? Cells at Work! chronicles the episodic escapades of Red Blood Cell, White Blood Cell, and all their colleagues as they work together to help their body thrive and survive.

The creator originally designed the story to help her struggling younger sister learn biology concepts. Today, the series has been assigned as homework by schools worldwide, praised by medical professionals for its biological accuracy, and inspired many viewers to take better care of themselves (for the sake of those adorable Platelets!).

3. Katsugeki Touken Ranbu (Japanese History)

Set in 1863 Japan, this story transforms historical Japanese blades into (very beautiful) men and throws them into the war between the pro-shogunate and anti-shogunate factions. As evil forces try to alter canon events, it’s up to these anthropomorphized weapons to stop them and set history on its rightful course.

Although the series takes plenty of fantasy-based liberties, it also provides a nice introduction to a pivotal time in Japan’s history. It’s animated by Ufotable and Aniplex, the same studios behind Demon Slayer — so you can expect some stunning visuals along the way (not to mention some very, very cute kitsunes).

4. Kino’s Journey (Philosophy)

A stoic teenager travels the world on a sentient motorcycle, searching for her ideal country. At a glance, Kino’s Journey seems simple and even downright strange at times. (That’s anime, am I right?) However, a careful viewing reveals that Kino’s Journey is a masterpiece in philosophical theory.

  • What is meaning?
  • How do human beings take their unique journeys through life?
  • Why do beliefs form, and why do we hold to them?
  • What is morality?
  • Do we really have freedom of choice?

As Kino visits mysterious, unusual, and fantastical lands, the viewer encounters vivid scenarios that raise these philosophical questions and more.

5. Spice & Wolf (Economics)

When a traveling merchant and aspiring business owner crosses paths with Holo, the incognito harvest goddess, he agrees to help guide her home. As the viewer follows the pair’s fantasy-romance-themed adventures, they also witness a financial drama unfold — in which success and failure weigh in the balance of market changes, calculated trading, and economic strategy.

While you probably won’t learn to create a spreadsheet or file your tax return from watching Spice & Wolf, this anime does provide an entertaining — and often downright gripping — depiction of financial processes and logic.

BONUS: My Hero Academia (The School Experience)

Plenty of school-themed anime exist; however, My Hero Academia stands out because it breaks the slice of life mold that’s typical of the school genre.

In a world where most people are born with superpowers (Quirks), a Quirkless boy, Midoriya, inherits the most powerful Quirk of Japan’s #1 Hero. Midoriya’s journey to becoming a hero rings true of the college experience, as he makes new friends, discovers his skills and passions, completes exams, gets involved in internships, participates in school festivals, and battles lots of baddies along the way.

Filled with a cast of characters whose journeys through school into the professional world somehow feel much like your own, My Hero Academia inspires, encourages, and entertains.

What Anime Will You Watch Next?

The rich world of anime offers countless opportunities for college students to explore their identities, discover their interests, and — of course — give their college experience an entertaining boost.

If you love pop culture, like anime, EFSC provides many opportunities to let your fandom shine. From clubs to classes and events, there’s something for everyone, so get involved today!

*DISCLAIMER: All recommendations expressed in this post are the author’s own and do not represent the opinions of Eastern Florida State College or its leadership.

Casey Covel
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