Want to get into the back-to-school spirit without actually, you know, going back to school? We have you covered. While I'm partial to shows set in high school [1] (reliving awkward teenage years is the best), there are a ton of series that feature college campuses as a backdrop. In fact, a lot of shows fall into both buckets, as we meet the characters in high school and they eventually graduate and go to college. Here are a few that you can catch on Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu — you don't even have to hit the campus library.
Undeclared
Before Judd Apatow went on to be one of the most sought-after directors in Hollywood, he created this half-hour comedy set at the fictional University of Northeastern California. Not only is it easy to watch in one sitting, but it also features a young Charlie Hunnam [2]!
Watch it on Amazon [3].
Felicity
Keri Russell [4] — and her hair — famously starred in this series, created by J.J. Abrams. The drama follows her as she travels from her home in California to attend the University of New York (not a real school) and pursue the man of her dreams.
Watch it on Hulu [5].
Greek
Travel to Ohio's fictitious Cyprus-Rhodes University to watch the exploits of a group of students navigating the Greek system. (Crush on Cappie not optional.)
Watch it on Freeform [6].
Community
Don't feel like a four-year adventure? Try Greendale Community College-set Community, which is actually six seasons long.
Watch it on Hulu [7].
The Vampire Diaries
While we meet Elena and company during their high school years, the gang heads to Whitmore College in season five. They don't spend a lot of time there, but they do attempt to do laundry and go to some parties.
Watch it on Netflix [8].
Boy Meets World
Who didn't watch season six of Boy Meets World and assume that's what college is actually like? Bonus: Ben Savage's real-life brother, Fred, guest stars as a sleazy professor.
Watch it on Amazon [9].
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
Sabrina attends Adams College, possibly the most generic fake college of them all, in season five. Enter two of the best series regulars: Morgan (Elisa Donovan) and Roxie (Soleil Moon Frye).
Watch it on Hulu [10].
Dawson's Creek
Dawson's Creek is another show that starts in high school but eventually graduates to college. In the fifth season, Dawson heads to Los Angeles for film school and Joey goes to Worthington College, a faux Ivy League school in Boston.
Watch it on Hulu [11].
Beverly Hills, 90210
While the high school years of Beverly Hills, 90210 are golden, the college years are just as good. Brandon grows a goatee and the girls move into a sweet beach house, all while they attend California University in season four.
Watch it on Hulu [12].
Party of Five
College gets plenty of action in this drama, set around the Salinger siblings as they cope with the unexpected death of their parents.
Watch it on Hulu [13].
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The gang sticks close to home when Buffy and Willow enroll in UC Sunnydale (not real) in the fourth season. Spoiler alert: their literal and metaphorical demons follow.
Watch it on Netflix [14].
Gossip Girl
At the start of season three, the characters of Gossip Girl [15] branch out to attend schools . . . also in New York City. Blair, Dan, and Vanessa go to NYU, but Blair eventually ends up uptown at Columbia University.
Watch it on Netflix [16].
The O.C.
The fourth and final season of The O.C. features the cast moving on from Marisa's death (spoiler alert) and attending college — well, some of them. Summer goes to Brown University, but Seth doesn't get in.
Watch it on Hulu [17].
Saved by the Bell: The College Years
Saved by the Bell [18]: The College Years is the same as Saved by the Bell, except in college.
Watch it on Hulu [19].
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Will's years in college (beginning in season four) are the best — mostly because that's when Tyra Banks [20] comes in as Jackie.
Watch it on Amazon [21].