Yes, yes, I know. What took me so long to watch this series? I actually had it on my list to review for the week of its release, but for some reason I decided to take it off my list. After seeing how many people fell in love with Off Campus, I obviously had to jump on the train.

I have MANY unfiltered thoughts that I wrote down while watching (and I didn’t note the exact episode… sorry guys!), and I’ll put them in the spoilers below. But as for now, we’re going to have a nice, non-spoiler review.

I want to start with the acting. Literally EVERYONE (and I truly mean everyone) was so fun to watch on screen. My favorites were obviously Ella Bright as Hannah (her name fits her so well because she literally radiates light in this season), Belmont Cameli as Garrett (ugh, that smile he gives Hannah?), Mika Abdalla as Allie (everyone needs a best friend like her), Brandon Scott as Daveed (Hannah’s advisor and the sensei she so desperately needs throughout the season). These actors and actresses made the show as emotional and beautiful as it was. I obviously still liked all of the other hockey players (Antonio Cipriano as John Logan, Stephen Kalyn as Dean Di Laurentis, and Jalen Thomas Brooks as John Tucker), it’s just that the other people were way more memorable. The chemistry between Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli is palpable and probably one of the biggest reasons people fell in love with Off Campus. Their expressions, their charisma, literally everything pulls you into their relationship. Brandon Scott as Daveed gave the BEST pep talks and emotional monologues that kept Hannah going. Mika Abdalla as Allie spoke so much with her eyes that I often didn’t need to know what she was about to say. These people brought the characters to life and really gave the show their all. 

With the story, Hannah and Garrett both have their secrets and they’re alluded to in the very first episode. This is the first thing to really pull people in. Not to mention, Hannah singing? Wow. That pulled me in automatically with her piano and vocals for “The Bitch is Back” by Elton John. With the following episodes, you get fake dating, forced proximity, and so much more. You get to follow Hannah and Garrett through their relationship and their secrets while also delving into other relationships that come later. Everything is slowly revealed and you get the progression that comes with spot on pacing. I was never bored. I never wanted to turn it off (literally watched four episodes in one sitting). I loved every second and that really doesn’t happen for me. Not to mention, it made me LAUGH, and I am not a comical person (drama and sad emotions are my thing). 

To touch on the books, I’ve never read them, but now I’m definitely intrigued. Did any of you read them and loved them as much as the show? I have to say, I really want to go and read the series now (and that might be my next binge). Elle Kennedy’s series is also called Off Campus, and follows Garrett, John Logan, Dean, and John Tucker (with a fifth novel that touches on their relationships three years after college). The next season in Off Campus strays from the book series by following Dean instead of John Logan, but they honestly did such a good job setting it up in the show that it is an easy transition (those of you who read the books, let me know if you think so too!). 

Spoilers ahead. 

Here are my unfiltered thoughts. Y’all don’t judge me please 😂.

• Too many boob!!! (This was definitely episode one and my first impression of the show 😂).
• Hannah singing after seeing that guy was SUCH a fun scene. Her voice is legit beautiful. And this scene is probably what pulled me into the series. I can see why Garrett finally “sees” her after watching her sing and dance.
• Not to mention, Hannah is watching Dirty Dancing and I obviously love her now.
• Her best friend, Allie, looks exactly like Cadence Sinclair (Emily Alyn Lind) from We Were Liars in my opinion.
• Bro I legit loved the “Cherry Pie” scene. And sweet Logan. Ugh. I love Garrett and him and it’s just like UGH. I want them both to be happy. Not to mention, Hannah (Ella Bright) was freaking HOT. Totally straight here, but she was gorgeous and on fire on that stage.
• How do you even have the gall to ask a guy you are friends with to give you an orgasm 😂. Not to mention that is SO FREAKING AWKWARD.
• Dean’s advice about needing trust and consent??? Damn like I discounted his whole character until this moment.
• Omg Garrett consoling her when she started panicking when they were about to have sex? I fell so hard for this man at that moment. Him literally just saying that it was okay that she wasn’t ready. Wow. That meant so much.
• The transitions were perfect all throughout the show and the music was spot on too for each vibe and emotion the scenes had.
• Oh my gosh I almost started sobbing when Garrett asked Cindy to please leave because his mom didn’t have the chance but she does.  
• Garrett crying? Wow. I’m done for.
• GUYSSSSSS they listened to Legally Blonde the Musical and I CACKLED when Dean asked if this was hell 😂😂😂😂.
• I honestly can’t stop looking at Allie’s hair. Her curls are gorgeous and I’m convinced no one can rock bangs like she can.
• There is nothing more beautiful than a piano. You can’t convince me otherwise. You FEEL when Hannah’s advisor is playing.
• Wow. Her mom? Hannah? My whole chin started quivering when Hannah kept saying it was all her fault. And when her mom asked what she did wrong? I LOST IT.
• Danggg they went full frontal with the guys.
• Allie already knowing that Hannah was “the friend” brought me to literal tears and I am not okay 😭😭.
• I was wondering when Hunter Davenport would show up. Now where the heck is season 2????

Overall, this show had all of the emotions, the best transitions, beautiful music, and actors who will steal your heart. I thought I wasn’t interested in Off Campus. Then I decided to watch an episode and I found out that I was SO wrong. If you love LOVE. If you are a sucker for romances like Hannah loves Dirty Dancing. If you want chivalry and gentlemen who skate. Off Campus? Yeah, that show is for you. 

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