Board games offer a fantastic way for college students to unwind, socialize, and take a break from their schoolwork. They provide a perfect opportunity to bond with friends, challenge strategic thinking skills, and have loads of fun.
Since there are so many board games available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones. As a recent college graduate, I know firsthand which board games college students and young adults love.
In fact, one of our favorite things to do as a group is get together for game nights!
In this post, I share a list of the 20 best board games for college students, so you can choose the best ones for you. Plus, along with the classics, I’ve included some new ones to add to your board game collection.
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The 20 Best Board Games for College Students: The Ultimate Guide
These 20 board games listed below offer diverse experiences, from intense social deduction games to immersive strategy adventures and lighthearted party games.
1. Settlers of Catan
Settlers of Catan is an iconic board game that has captured the hearts of many. In this strategic game, players compete to build settlements, collect resources, and trade with one another.
It encourages negotiation and planning, making it an excellent choice for college students seeking a thrilling challenge. If you’re looking for this classic board game, you can find it right here on Amazon.
Recommended: Settlers of Catan (see great price on Amazon)
2. Codenames
Codenames is a word association games that will test your communication skills. Divided into two teams, players give and decipher one-word clues to reveal secret agents on a grid.
It’s an excellent choice for many friends looking for an engaging and lively game night.
Recommended: Codenames (see over 2,800 reviews on Amazon)
3. Pandemic
Pandemic is a classic board game that puts players in the shoes of disease-fighting specialists. Together, they must work strategically to prevent the outbreak of deadly diseases worldwide.
This game fosters teamwork and critical thinking, offering an immersive experience that will keep college students on the edge of their seats.
Recommended: Pandemic
4. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a cross-country train adventure game that challenges players to build railroad routes across North America.
This game combines strategy, competition, and a dash of luck, making it an ideal choice for college students who enjoy planning and a touch of friendly rivalry.
Recommended: Ticket to Ride (see great price on Amazon)
5. Dominion
Dominion is a deck-building game where players strive to build the most efficient and powerful kingdom. Players develop their deck to gain victory points by acquiring cards and managing resources.
With numerous card combinations and strategies, Dominion offers endless replayability and strategic depth, making it a favorite among college students who are strategy enthusiasts.
Recommended: Dominion
6. Splendor
Splendor is a gem-collecting and card-building game that requires strategic planning and resource management. Players compete to purchase valuable cards using gems, aiming to build the most impressive collection.
It offers a quick gameplay experience, making it perfect for short breaks between classes or study sessions. Splendor was a popular game among my friend group when I was in college.
Recommended: Splendor (see great price on Amazon)
7. Dixit
Dixit is a visually stunning storytelling game that sparks creativity and imagination. Players use beautifully illustrated cards to describe a word or phrase, and others must guess which card matches the description.
It’s a fantastic choice for college students who appreciate art, storytelling, and a touch of mystery.
Recommended: Dixit (see over 700 positive reviews on Amazon)
8. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a tile-laying game where players strategically place tiles to build cities, roads, and farms. This game offers a good balance of strategy and luck, providing an enjoyable experience for both casual and seasoned gamers.
It’s easy-to-learn mechanics make it a fan-favorite board game among college students.
Recommended: Carcassonne
9. 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is a card-drafting game where players build civilizations in ancient times. The goal is to develop the most impressive civilization through strategic decision-making and resource management.
This highly acclaimed game offers depth and replayability, making it perfect for college students who crave a challenging and intellectually stimulating experience.
Recommended: 7 Wonders (see great price on Amazon)
10. Resistance: Avalon
Resistance: Avalon is a social deduction game that transports players to the realm of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. It is a game of hidden identities and deduction where players are divided into loyal servants of Arthur and traitorous spies.
College students will enjoy the intense discussions, accusations, and suspense that come with uncovering the hidden traitors. If you and your friends are looking for an exciting new board game, then check out Resistance: Avalon.
Recommended: Resistance: Avalon
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11. Betrayal at House on the Hill
Betrayal at House on the Hill is a thrilling horror-themed board game where players explore a haunted mansion. As they uncover secrets, the game takes a twist as one player turns against the others, leading to an exciting and unpredictable finale.
With its immersive storytelling and countless scenarios, this game guarantees an unforgettable gaming experience for any college student.
Recommended: Betrayal at House on the Hill
12. Azul
Azul is a visually stunning abstract strategy game that challenges players to decorate a palace with beautiful ceramic tiles. The game requires tactical planning and decision-making as players compete to create the most aesthetically pleasing patterns.
Its easy-to-learn mechanics and engaging gameplay make it a hit among casual and serious gamers. Azul is a board game that has been growing in popularity among college students over the last year.
Recommended: Azul (see over 13,000 positive reviews on Amazon)
13. Sushi Go!
Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card-drafting game that revolves around creating the best sushi combinations. Players strategically choose and pass cards to score points based on their selections.
With its adorable artwork and quick gameplay, this game is perfect for college students looking for a light and enjoyable game that can be played quickly.
This amazing game can be played in a dorm room, between classes, or after class.
Recommended: Sushi Go!
14. Risk
Risk is a classic strategy board game that offers thrilling battles and global domination. Players strategically conquer territories and deploy armies, engaging in epic conflicts.
With a perfect blend of luck and skill, Risk challenges college students to make strategic decisions, negotiate alliances, and assess risks. It promotes critical thinking, diplomacy, and competition while providing hours of engaging gameplay.
Choose from various versions and editions, each offering unique twists and themes. Risk remains a timeless favorite among college students, perfect for unforgettable game nights with friends.
Recommended: Risk (see great price on Amazon)
Related: 27 Fun Activities for College Students (interactive, team building, games)
15. Scythe
Scythe is a visually stunning and deeply strategic game set in an alternate history of 1920s Europe. Players lead factions and compete for resources, territories, and power.
With its immersive world-building and intricate gameplay mechanics, Scythe is perfect for college students who enjoy a mix of strategy, exploration, and combat in a beautifully crafted universe.
Recommended: Scythe
16. King of Tokyo
King of Tokyo is a fast-paced and light-hearted game where players take on the roles of giant monsters vying for control of Tokyo. The game involves dice rolling, card play, and player interaction as everyone fights to become the ultimate King of Tokyo.
This game offers a fun, engaging experience that is easy to learn and perfect for casual gaming sessions. If you enjoy fast-paced board games, then King of Tokyo will be perfect for you.
Recommended: King of Tokyo
17. Telestrations
Telestrations is a hilarious party game that combines drawing and guessing. Players start with a word or phrase and take turns sketching it, passing the sketchbook to the next player, who must interpret the drawing and write down what they think it represents.
The sketchbook continues to circulate, alternating between drawing and guessing, resulting in hilarious and often absurd outcomes. Telestrations is a fantastic choice for college students looking for a lighthearted and laughter-filled game night.
Recommended: Telestrations
18. Jenga
Jenga is an excellent board game for college students due to its simplicity, versatility, and social nature. The game’s concept is straightforward: players take turns removing blocks from a tower and carefully balancing them on top, creating a taller and more precarious structure.
Jenga requires focus, steady hands, and strategic decision-making, making it both challenging and exciting. It can be played in short bursts between classes or as a part of a larger game night.
Jenga’s accessibility and the element of suspense it brings make it a popular choice for college students, fostering friendly competition and laughter while providing a refreshing break from academic demands.
Recommended: Jenga (see over 70,000 positive reviews on Amazon)
19. Monopoly
Monopoly is a classic board game that holds numerous benefits for college students. With its focus on money management, negotiation, and strategic decision-making, Monopoly offers valuable real-life skills wrapped in an entertaining package.
The game allows players to immerse themselves in business and property ownership, fostering financial literacy and an understanding of economic concepts.
Monopoly encourages social interaction as players engage in friendly rivalries, trade properties, and negotiate deals. It provides a fun and immersive experience that brings friends together for hours of enjoyment and friendly competition.
College students can bond over Monopoly, developing critical thinking skills and learning the art of negotiation while creating lasting memories.
Throughout college, my buddies and I would play Monopoly for hours. Although the board game can last for a long time, it is always very fun to play.
Recommended: Monopoly
20. Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity is a wildly popular party game that perfectly suits the humor and wit of college students. Known for its clever and often outrageous combinations, the game prompts players to complete fill-in-the-blank statements using cards containing absurd or risqué phrases.
This adult-oriented game encourages creativity, quick thinking, and a healthy dose of laughter. Cards Against Humanity breaks the ice and fosters a relaxed and fun atmosphere among college friends.
Its inclusive nature allows players to embrace their creativity and express themselves freely, making it a perfect choice for memorable game nights and social gatherings.
Recommended: Cards Against Humanity (see great price on Amazon)
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Final Thoughts on The Best Board Games For College Students
Board games offer a unique and engaging way for college students to unwind, connect with friends, and exercise their strategic thinking skills. These 20 board games provide diverse experiences, catering to different preferences and friend group sizes.
Whether you prefer intense strategy, cooperative gameplay, or lighthearted fun, there’s a board game on this list for everyone. I played many of these games throughout my time in college, and they truly are a blast!
What’s your favorite board game? Please let me know in the comments below.