Top 10 Student Sitcoms

We can all feel a little self-conscious at times, and “My Mad Fat Diary” reminds us that we’re not alone. Following Rae, a young girl unhappy with her body image, we trudge through the awkward, unpredictable - and at times highly judgemental - social circles of adolescence. Although tackling difficult themes of mental health and isolation, the show manages to strike the perfect balance between drama and comedy - making each of Rae’s triumphs all the more satisfying to watch.

Set in 1970’s London, this classic sitcom follows Oxford-educated Barry Evans, as he tries to earn a living teaching English as a foreign language. Unlike today’s other entries, adult education is the focus here, with most of the gags centring on a ‘lost in translation’ theme. The show is perhaps best remembered for its students, including Juan, who answers “por favor” to everything, and Ranjeet, who’s quick to anger during an argument.

Set in South London, “Some Girls” follows the day-to-day antics of best friends Viva, Amber, Holli and Saz, throughout their final years at high school. The show mixes hilarious scenarios with relatable situations, as its main characters deal with the trials and tribulations of growing up, including fierce crushes, fake friends and crazy festivals. But, while the excesses of youth fuel many of its storylines, the show also tackles important issues, such as bullying and the breakup of friendship groups.

By far the darkest entry on our list, Peter Davison stars next as Stephen Daker, a doctor at the health centre of a severely underfunded University. During his tenure, the idealistic Daker slowly has his spirit crushed by the incompetence of his co-workers, as well as the utter indifference displayed by his student patients. While the funniest moments derive from Daker’s increasing frustration and bewilderment, the series was inspired by writer Andrew Davies’ own experiences at the University of Warwick.

For the first of two appearances today, Jack Whitehall plays Alfie Wickers - the bumbling history teacher at the centre of “Bad Education”. The series follows Alfie’s various attempts to succeed at work, as well as earn the respect of his belligerent class. Cue some hilarious scenes, including an out-of-hand field trip and some highly questionable teaching tactics. And it wasn’t long before this unruly bunch got the big screen treatment, with “The Bad Education Movie” gracing screens in 2015.

Few things are more daunting than that first week at uni, and this show sees all of the excitement and anxiety through the eyes of Jonathan Bailey’s Danny. A fresher who’s horrified to find that the least likable of his high school friends is one of his dorm mates, plus he has to share with the socially stunted Fred, Danny’s hopes for a party-fuelled fresh start are short-lived. What follows is what happens when your high expectations aren’t met, and your life is a long list of disappointments.

So you’ve bagged your degree, but what then? “Big Bad World” dissects post-uni life, as “The Inbetweeners”’ Blake Harrison expects the world to become his proverbial oyster, but he soon encounters the harsh realities of the daily grind. He struggles to find a job, mounts an underwhelming return to his home town, and ends up hanging out with his work-shy friends. The series takes a comic look at a very real concern for most students; just what will happen after you graduate?

We head to Manchester next, as six students somehow navigate through three treacherous years of study. “Fresh Meat” is full of larger than life characters, like Jack Whitehall’s unbearably pompous JP, the anarchistic Vod and the invariably insecure Kingsley. The show addresses all sorts of student issues, big or small, from the fear of impending deadlines, to hooking up with course mates or solving household problems. It’s the best and worst aspects of uni life, all wrapped into one.

Probably the most unique entry on our list, “The Young Ones” was a breakout show for the likes of Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson. Well known for its madcap, chaotic style, with over the top violence, surreal scenarios and overall absurdity, the series dealt with the misadventures of four undergrads house-sharing in London. And every day inspires bedlam. From paying the rent to throwing a party, even the simplest tasks trigger unforgettable scenes.

Our winner sees Simon, Jay, Neil and Will blunder their way through high school and sixth form, desperately trying to climb the social ladder. “The Inbetweeners” offers an unflinching look at just how awkward and uncomfortable adolescent life really can be. From losing your virginity to getting your first car, or going clubbing in the city, countless stand-out moments turned this show into a cultural phenomenon. And everyone has a favourite character - who’s yours?