Books Set in College
It’s no surprise that books set in college are so popular. The college years are known for shaping each person’s projectory through the skills and relationships learned during this fleeting time in life. Such a powerful few years is a powder keg for problems and growth – making it an ideal setting for a novel.
I love to read books set in college because it reminds me of a time that I cherish in my own life. I can fondly look back at my own experiences in college through the lens of the characters in each of the novels below. It’s also fun to explore the darker side of academia, a sub-genre of fiction that has gained popularity in recent years.
Below, you will find the best college novels separated by genre. Enjoy the list and let us know what you would want to add to the list. Maybe I will read your suggestion next!
The Best Books Set in College
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Dark Academia
The Secret History by Donna Tartt – Jump to section
Fantasy
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo – Jump to section
Romance
How to Date a Douchebag by Sara Ney – Jump to section
Thriller
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll – Jump to section
Fiction
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Dark Academia Books Set in College
The Secret History
Author: Donna Tartt
Year: 1992
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: December 2022 Read with Jenna Book Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Richard is one of a select group of six students who have been hand-picked to work under the guidance of a classics teacher named Julian Morrow. Richard is narrating the story and he begins by telling about the death of one of the students named Bunny.
As the story progresses, it is clear that this secret society of students rides the line of morality. The strained friendships and sexual tensions continue to push the edge until Bunny is killed.
Trigger Warnings
Murder, Alcoholism, Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the books about secret societies that was deeply disturbing and difficult to read. It certainly earns its place on our list of dark academia books and books about cults! And as with most books set in college, this one is a perfect book for fall.
Find this book in: Books set in College / Books about Cults / Books about Secret Societies / Best Fall Books / Dark Academia Books / Books Set in the 80s
Vladimir
Author: Julia May Jonas
Year: 2022
Genre: Literary Fiction
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
When it comes to books with stalkers, this literary fiction has a vibe of its own. Vladimir is the hot new professor at a rural college. A recent literary success, he quickly becomes the obsession of a 58-year-old tenured female professor at the same school.
Said professor is our narrator and her inner dialogue was expertly crafted. She’s on the edge of scandal after her husband is accused of multiple affairs with students before those types of relationships are banned. She knew about these affairs and even had some of her own, but she didn’t want to be caught up in the fallout. Instead, she fixates on Vladimir, a man 20 years her junior.
Why Kirsten loves it
The subjects this novel explores are expertly navigated by Jonas, whose gifts as a writer shines in this debut. I would love to discuss this pick with my book club!
Find this book in: Books with Stalkers / Dark Academia Books / Beach Reads 2022 / Best Books Set in College
Party Girls Die in Pearls
Author: Plum Sykes
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Mystery
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This British mystery book takes place at Oxford University in the 1980s when a socialite is murdered. Ursula Flowerbutton, an English country girl, is trying to investigate the murder for the college paper while trying to befriend the glamorous crowd.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a comedic spoof and the outfit descriptions alone had me giggling. I hope it becomes a series of mystery books because I would love to read more of Flowerbutton and her Sloane Ranger friends. The secret societies and prestigious schools make this one of our lighter dark academia books set in college. It’s just a really fun pick.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / British Mysteries / Dark Academia Books / Books Set in College / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books Set in the 80s
Fantasy Books set in College
Ninth House
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Alex Stern #1
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
Alex Stearn is the sole survivor of a horrible homicide. While recovering in the hospital, she is offered a chance to attend Yale on a full scholarship. She finds the Secret Societies of Yale, each practicing a unique type of magic.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Jackie loves it
There are so many things about this urban fantasy book that I love. It is filled with magic, unlike anything you have ever read before. It has fantasy, secret societies, magic, and mystery. I could not put it down.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Books Set in College / Books About Secret Society / Magic School Books / Adult Books similar to Harry Potter / Best Books of 2019 / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing
Zodiac Academy: The Awakening
Author: Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Zodiac Academy Book 1 of 12
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
Whew. I have found my newest adult fantasy romance series addiction. Orphan twins Tory and Darcy find out they are actually Fae after their 18th birthday. And not just any Fae, they are the heirs to the throne and they only need to graduate from Zodiac Academy to claim their throne.
The problem comes in the form of the four Heirs – The boys in each elemental order who have been raised to share the throne and rule Solaria together in the Twins’ absence.They aren’t planning to give up their claim anytime soon and they use their considerable magic in the air, fire, earth, and water elements to put these girls to the test.
This urban fantasy series is on fire hot, with lots of steam, bullying romance, and deadly situations. Even though this is one of a few great books set in high school, do NOT read this one if you are under 18.
Why Kirsten loves it
There is something about this series that is seriously addicting. There is romance, adventure, and some serious girl power in this series.
Why Jackie likes it
I liked this series but didn’t love it as much as Kirsten. The bullying felt too abusive to me and the pranks were a little too dangerous. And despite those reservations, I wanted to see Tory and Darcy kick some butts. As the series progresses and the sisters become more powerful, the story gets a lot more detailed.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Books Set in College / Adult Fantasy Novels / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Dragon Books for Adults
Legendborn
Author: Tracy Deonn
Year: 202
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Legendborn Cycle #1, Coretta Scott King Book Award
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Bree Matthews’s mother died in a tragic accident and she cannot seem to recover. When she has a chance to attend a special program for bright high school students at UNC-Chapel Hill, she jumps at the chance.
When Bree witnesses a magical attack on her first night there, her world is thrown upside down as she enters the world of the Legendborn. It is a secret society of students with powerful magic who are also descendants of King Arthur! This is one of the best re-tellings I have read.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Death of parent
Why Jackie loves it
Why did I not read this book before now? In a way, I’m glad I just read this because I only have to wait a few more months for the sequel. If you love YA fantasy books, this King Arthur re-imagining is a must-read.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Teens / Books About Secret Societies / Dark Academia / Books Set in College / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books
The Magicians
Author: Lev Grossman
Year: 2009
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Magicians Book 1 of 3
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
Quentin Coldwater is a high school student obsessed with the made-up world of Fillory. He finds himself admitted to a magical college that is both secret and elite. This one has an almost cult-like following.
The best way I can describe this series is if Harry Potter was admitted to Hogwarts in College. It has a different, darker feel but it is fun, imaginative, and entertaining. The magic in this school is a little bit dark. If you love urban fantasy books, you must read this series of books like Harry Potter. This is a witch book unlike any other.
Why Jackie loves it
This is dark and unique- unlike any book I have read before.
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Dark Academia Books / Best Witch Books / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing
Romances Set in College
The Study Hours
Author: Sara Ney
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: How to Date a Douchebag #1
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
When champion college wrestler, Oz, is dared to kiss a girl in the library, he has no idea that Jameson is not as much of a good girl as her diligent studying makes her look.
He loves how she treats him like guy on campus instead of the star athlete he is. He can’t get enough and will try anything to capture her heart for good.
Why Kirsten loves it
This series is laugh-out-loud funny. Each book is a stand-alone featuring a dedicated bachelor from a University’s Wrestling team. They are each tamed by a woman in a totally predictable way, but these books set in college are hysterical.
For starters, the author has funny pick-up lines between chapters that I found utterly hilarious, but the dialogue between the characters is witty too.
Find this book in: Sports Books / Rom-Com Books / Books Set in College / College Romances / Fluff Reads
The Deal
Author: Elle Kennedy
Year: 2015
Genre: Romance
More info: Off-Campus #1
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
The first in a series of books set in college about hockey players is also the series that got me hooked on the college romance books sub-genre! This one features a bunch of bachelor hockey players who are the campus hotshots.
To get the attention of the man she really wants, Hannah convinces the cocky captain to go on a pretend date with her in exchange for her tutoring services. Garrett is desperate to get his GPA up so that he can stay on the hockey team and play professionally when he graduates.
But when one kiss leads to a STEAMY hook-up, Hannah needs to reevaluate which man she wants.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s very similar to the How to Date a Douchebag series, but it has a bit more heart and a little less humor. This is one of the steamy fake dating books EVER but I loved it.
Adaptation Information
The Off-Campus series is now going to be adapted for TV on Amazon Prime Video. Louise Levy, Wick Godfrey, and Marty Bowen will be producing it. Each book in the series will be one season.
Find this book in: College Romances / Sports Romances / Fake Dating Romances / Books Set in College
The Royal We
Author: Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Year: 2015
Genre: Fiction
More info: Royal We #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This novel spans from the time Bex and Prince Nick meet in college until the night before their wedding. It goes through the ups and downs of the relationship and ends on a cliffhanger. But do not worry. The Heir Affair is already out and you can read that one next.
Why Kirsten loves it
Look no further than this royal romance. If you haven’t read this romance loosely based on Wills and Kate’s love story, read no further. This is the end-all, be-all of Royal Reads.
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Royal Reads / Books Like The Selection / Best Beach Reads / British Books / Best YA Romance Books
Thrillers Set in College
Plot
Inspired by real events, this captivating tale takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the lives of two women determined to seek justice and bring down a serial killer. This mystery-thriller book flips the script on traditional serial killer tales, focusing on the female victims and the women impacted by the perpetrator’s horrendous crimes.
Why Kirsten loves it
The killer is never named, instead the victims are rounded out and given depth in a way that highlights and celebrates who they were when alive. I’ve been recommending this feminist story to everyone!
Find this book in: Best Books of 2023 / Fiction Serial Killer Books / Books Set in College / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Plot
Mariana is a therapist who is still grieving the loss of her husband when she gets a call from her niece, Zoe. Zoe’s best friend Tara is missing and Zoe is afraid something has happened to her. When women start dying at Cambridge, Mariana gets deeply involved as she tries to solve the mystery.
Why Jackie loves it
What an amazing thriller. Alex Michaelides did it again! This secret society book was insane with twists and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat and my heart beating a little faster!Â
Adaptation Information
A series adaptation is in the works for this best-seller with Miramax.
Find this book in: Dark Academia Books / Creepy Halloween Thrillers / Books Becoming TV Shows / Serial Killer Books / Books Set in College
Tell Me Lies
Author: Carola Lovering
Year: 2018
Genre: Thriller
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
Lucy has arrived for her freshman year of college ready for a fresh start. She is immediately taken with Stephen, a charming student she can’t get enough of. Stephen and Lucy have the epitome of a toxic relationship. In the story, both Lucy and Stephen are the narrators and I have to tell you, getting to see inside Stephen’s head as he toyed with Lucy, was equally fascinating and disturbing.
Trigger Warnings
Toxic Relationship
Why Kirsten loves it
After hearing about the book adaptation of this, I knew I had to read it. I was so captivated by this book that I read it in one sitting. I immediately watched the series too and then had a chance to interview Carola and Dr. Z about narcissistic characters in books.
Find this book in: Books Set in College
Fiction Set in College
My Oxford Year
Author: Julia Whelan
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
Ella has moved to Oxford to study for one year before heading back to America to work on a political campaign, fulfilling a lifelong dream to study in the famed English school. But then she falls for her professor and must decide what she wants from the future.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
I picked up this contemporary fiction book to help combat my Royal Wedding withdrawal. I assumed it was going to be a light and fluffy romance — I had no idea I was going to be sobbing my eyes out with what is essentially the newest JoJo Moyes.
Adaptation Information
Netflix has not yet announced the release date of the film, though they did unveil the cast. Sophie Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Dougray Scott, and Catherine McCormack are all set to star.
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Best Contemporary Fiction / British Romance Novels / British Books / Books Becoming Movies
Margo’s Got Money Troubles: A Novel
Author: Rufi Thorpe
Year: 2024
Genre: Literary Fiction
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
Margo Millet has always had to take care of herself and enrolled in community college as her way out. Her mother was a Hooter waitress who had an affair with her ex-pro wrestler father. Despite having a distant relationship with him, he was not there as an everyday figure in her life. When Margo has an affair with her married professor and becomes pregnant with his child, she decides to keep the baby even with everyone telling her that she is going to ruin her life.
Now, she has a baby, no job, and needs to pay her rent. When her father, Jinx, shows up on her doorstep and needs someone to help him stay sober, she agrees to let him stay in exchange for babysitting and rent. Margo also decides to start an OnlyFans and use her father’s expertise in show business to help
Trigger Warnings
Drug Use, Addiction
Why Jackie loves it
I have never read anything like this before. I laughed out loud at times while reading the book. Initially, I was not sure that I was going to like it. Thorpe has a way of taking upsetting and serious topics and themes and weaving them seamlessly into the story. I love how Margo grows from the beginning of the story to the end. I love her relationship development with her father and the fact that they both come to respect each other despite and because of their flaws.
Adaptation Information
Apple TV+ announced an upcoming TV series adaptation of this book starring Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Find this book in: Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / Books Set in College / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Books Becoming TV Series / Giftable Books
Come and Get It
Author: Kiley Reid
Year: 2024
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: February 2024 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Millie Cousins is a senior resident assistant at the University of Arkansas in 2017. Agatha Paul is a visiting professor and writer who has left her wife at home and taken a position for a year. They meet when Agatha comes to the dorm to interview students about weddings as research for her next book.
This meeting creates an opportunity for Millie she cannot resist until an accident from a prank gone wrong threatens to ruin everything for Millie.
Trigger Warnings
Animal death, Suicidal Thoughts
Why Jackie likes it
Reid’s sophomore novel has a cast of characters that fell a little flat for me. The beginning chapters about Agatha and Millie are promising but ultimately, didn’t fulfill my expectations. The other characters like Tyler, Casey, and Peyton seem to fit stereotypes rather than dynamic characters.
Kiley Reid tackled many subjects in this book such as racism and socioeconomic status all while having LGBTQ representation in a college setting. I appreciate what the author tried to accomplish in this character-driven novel but for me, it didn’t quite hit the mark. I look forward to more from this talented writer. #gifted
Find this book in: Books Set in College
Frequently Asked Questions
Are books set in college for adults or young adults?
Generally speaking, college novels are for readers over the age of 18. They have adult themes and sexual content that are not appropriate for teens.
Helpful Tips
- If you are picking a college novel for a reading challenge, choose one in a genre you love!
- Be mindful of the content of these novels! Unlike high school stories, these books are all intended for older audiences.
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Epilogue
When it comes to books set in college, you have your pick of genres! Jackie gravitates towards dark academia, while I am all in on romance. Which college novels are you interested in reading? Let us know below!
