Flick Picks: Movies to watch to get in the zone for university

By Disha Angadi, Features Subeditor

If you're starting university or returning, you are bound to feel a range of conflicting emotions. Whether you're staying up late packing, meeting up with friends from home to say goodbye, or looking at your course list (and nearly fainting); you'll experience excitement, sadness and anticipation all at once. So, as the goodbyes and immense stress of packing hover over the fringes of your mind, this list of films will hopefully present a powerful reminder that an exciting new journey awaits you.

The Social Network (2010)

Starting off strong with a cult-classic, The Social Network (2010) presents a tale of ambition, drive and copious self-belief. It is a biographical drama, following Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) as he builds Facebook at the cost of his friendships and relationships. While this story is one rife with betrayals and the dark side of human nature, it still holds two crucial lessons. First, dreams can only become reality when they are pursued with the right speed, right leveraging of connections and endless belief. Second, ambition should not be pursued at the cost of human connections. After all, all the money in the world can't replace a worthy friendship. The leading takeaway is that balancing ambition with compassion is the way forward when it comes to turning mere dreams into concrete reality.

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The Theory of Everything (2014)

This Oscar winning movie best portrays this balancing act. It follows the journey of Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) as he achieves academic milestones, grapples with Motor neuron disease diagnosis, and the growing complexity of his marriage. Stephen Hawking is renowned for his contributions to Modern Physics but the key takeaway from this movie lies elsewhere. It lies in the lesson that greatness is achieved not only through consistent efforts, but also through an unshakable support system. Unlike The Social Network, where the protagonist pursues his goal alone, this movie presents a strong stance that everything is possible when the right people back you up. This is seen when Stephen faces his diagnosis, he doesn't stop, but continues to relentlessly innovate supported unconditionally by his wife, Jane (Felicity Jones). Another lesson that this movie presents is that happiness is a journey and not a destination. That is, happiness does not just happen, you have to create it- through building your dream, your community and yourself.

Starter for 10 (2006)

A remarkable movie close to home (literally) follows the journey of Brian Jackson (James McAvoy), a working-class Essex freshman at Bristol University in 1985 whose dream is to compete on the TV show, University Challenge. The two unforgettable takeaways from this movie are self-acceptance and valuing true connections. University is a time perfect for developing imposter syndrome and being led by the belief of who you should be rather than who you really are. This movie encourages us to be true to our background and appreciating the past, the people and the places which shaped and built our identities. Another takeaway is true connections outlast momentary flirtations. At university, there is a wealth of people you'll meet, but it is your decision which friendships you cherish and nurture. So, choose wisely!

Legally Blonde (2001)

Saving the best for last, Legally Blonde follows the story of an optimistic Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) as she defies societal constraints and assumptions to become a successful Law student at Harvard. A core insight from this wonderful movie is that outward perception should never bar your own growth. Elle Woods was often underestimated because of her fashion choices and blonde hair (god forbid a girl likes pink!). But, she never let other people's opinions of her define her; rather she set out to define her own life, driven by self-belief and hard work. Her story stands testament to the fact that embracing your true self and working tirelessly towards your goals is when you truly shine.