By Jen Craven
With the start of the school year, there’s no better time to cozy up with a novel set on a college campus or in the hallowed halls of a boarding school. These settings are a literary goldmine, packed with drama,
secrets, friendships, and the thrill of new beginnings. Whether it’s a posh boarding school full of untold secrets or a university campus where students are as obsessed with philosophy as they are with each other,
academic settings offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and escapism. There’s something irresistible about stepping into a world where every corner hides a mystery and every semester promises transformation.
It’s no wonder that boarding schools and college campuses have been the backdrop for some truly unforgettable stories. They’re places where characters find themselves, make and break friendships, and
maybe even stumble upon a dark secret or two. So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy in your favorite reading nook, and let’s dive into some of the best novels that capture the magic (and madness) of academic life.
Recommended Reads
Looking for your next campus adventure? Here’s a mix of classics and contemporary favorites that capture the essence of college campuses and boarding schools—drama, secrets, romance, and all.
“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt — Dive into the dark, twisted world of an elite group of classics students at a small liberal arts college. It’s full of obsession, murder, and just the right amount of pretentious academic banter to keep you hooked.
“A Separate Peace” by John Knowles — Set in a New England boarding school during WWII, this classic novel explores the complexities of friendship and rivalry. It’s a poignant reminder of how friendships can
be both beautiful and deeply complicated.
“Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro — This one’s a hauntingly beautiful mix of science fiction and boarding school drama. It starts off as a typical story of students at an elite English school but slowly reveals a chilling twist that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
“Prep” by Curtis Sittenfeld — Ever wonder what it’s like to be a scholarship student at a super-elite boarding school? Sittenfeld’s novel gives you a front-row seat to the ups and downs of adolescence, class
dynamics, and the awkwardness of teenage years in this sharp, insightful coming-of-age story.
“If We Were Villains” by M.L. Rio — A Shakespearean actor’s dream (or nightmare). Set in an exclusive arts conservatory, this thriller follows a group of theater students whose lives start to mirror the tragedies
they perform on stage. Murder, mystery, and Shakespearean drama—what’s not to love?
“The Starboard Sea” by Amber Dermont — This novel dives into the privileged world of a New England boarding school, touching on themes of grief, guilt, and the struggle to find redemption. It’s a heartfelt and emotional journey through the choppy waters of adolescence.
“Vampire Academy” by Richelle Mead — A supernatural twist on the classic boarding school story, this series has everything: action, romance, and a school full of vampires. It’s an addictive blend of teenage drama and the supernatural.
“Black Chalk” by Christopher J. Yates — Think of this one as “college dares gone very, very wrong.” Six friends start an elaborate game of dares in their first year at Oxford, but things spiral out of control fast. It’s a mind-bending psychological thriller you won’t be able to put down.
“The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” by E. Lockhart — Smart, funny, and utterly rebellious, Frankie Landau-Banks takes on the boys-only secret society at her boarding school. This is a witty, empowering read that tackles gender politics and social dynamics with a sharp edge.
“The Divines” by Ellie Eaton — This one takes a look back at the complicated world of an elite British boarding school, exploring the nuances of female friendships, privilege, and the sometimes harsh realities of adolescence.
“The Likeness” by Tana French — Part mystery, part psychological thriller, this novel is set in an Irish university where a detective goes undercover as a student. It’s gripping, eerie, and filled with tension that builds with every page.
“Normal People” by Sally Rooney — A beautiful, bittersweet story of two students whose lives intertwine from high school to university. Rooney captures the essence of young love, friendship, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world in a way that feels so real, it’s almost like you’re eavesdropping on someone’s life.
