Board games are a fantastic way for students to relax and bond outside the classroom. They promote teamwork, strategic thinking, and friendly competition. In an increasingly digital world, traditional board games provide an excellent opportunity for face-to-face interaction and socialization among students. Whether in a dorm, a common area, or during a study break, these games break the ice and foster connections. From classic favorites to modern hits, this list of 13 interesting board games for students ensures everyone can unwind while deepening friendships. Let’s delve into these exciting options, perfect for students looking to enjoy downtime together.
Exploding Kittens is a hilarious card game that’s quick to learn and fun to play. Perfect for students, this quirky game involves strategy and luck as players try to avoid exploding kitten cards. Its fast-paced nature and humorous artwork make it an excellent choice for laughter-filled game sessions, helping students unwind after a busy week.
Exploding Kittens Party Pack Card Game - Hilarious Games for Family Game Night - Funny Card Games For Adults, Teens & Kids (Ages 7+) - 120 Cards - 2-10 Players - 15 Minutes of Play
$24.99
Unstable Games
$20.00
Exploding Kittens Recipes for Disaster - Deluxe Russian Roulette Card Game Set - Family-Friendly Party Games for Adults, Teens & Kids
$24.99
Zombie Kittens by Exploding Kittens - 2-5 Players - Ages 7+ - 15 Minutes to Play - High Stakes Zombie Card Game - Party Game, Family Game Night, Kid and Adult Card Game
$19.99
Uno is a classic card game that never fails to entertain. Easy to learn and quick to play, this game is ideal for students wanting a fun challenge. Its mix of luck and strategy makes it enjoyable for everyone, regardless of skill level, ensuring that students can relax and have fun together.
Mattel Games UNO Card Game in a Collectible Storage Tin for Kids, Adults, Families, Parties & Travel, 2 to 10 Players (Amazon Exclusive)
$10.99
Mattel 4347154784 Uno Card Game 2 Pack, Red
$13.58
Mattel Games UNO Show ‘em No Mercy Card Game in Storage & Travel Tin for Kids, Adults & Family Night with Extra Cards, Special Rules & Tougher Penalties (Amazon Exclusive)
$14.99
UNO - Classic Colour & Number Matching Card Game - 112 Cards - Customizable & Erasable Wild - Special Action Cards Included - Gift for Kids 7+, W2087
$7.05
Codenames is a popular word association game where players split into teams and try to guess the words based on one-word clues. This game is ideal for students as it encourages teamwork, creativity, and communication. Its unique gameplay promotes bonding as players strategize together, making it a compelling choice for game nights.
USAOPOLY TAPPLE® Word Game | Fast-Paced Family Board Game | Choose a Category & Race Against The Timer to be The Last Player | Learning Game Great for All Ages (1 Pack)
$19.82
Hasbro Gaming Taboo Classic Game, Party Word Guessing Game for Adults and Teens, Board Game for 4+ Players Ages 13 and Up
$15.54
Moose Match Mayhem - by Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza – A Wild Adventure, Speed-Matching Card Game! Easy, Fast and Fun for Family Game Night for Kids Ages 7+, Teens, Adults
$9.99
Hasbro Gaming The Game of Life Game, Family Board Game for 2-4 Players, Indoor Game for Kids Ages 8 and Up, Pegs Come in 6 Colors
$19.24
Dixit is a beautifully illustrated storytelling game that stimulates creativity. Players use imaginative images to convey stories while others guess which image corresponds to the storyteller's narrative. This game is excellent for students, enhancing their creativity and encouraging them to think outside the box during relaxed group play.
Dixit Odyssey Board Game EXPANSION - Enrich Your Imagination with 84 New Cards! Creative Storytelling Game, Fun Family Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 3-6 Players, 30 Min Playtime, Made by Libellud
$29.99
Exploding Kittens Party Pack - 2-10 Players - Ages 7+ - 15 Minutes to Play - Party-Sized High-Stakes Card Game, Ideal for Party, Family Game Night, Fun for Kids and Adults
$24.99
Dixit Memories Board Game EXPANSION - Explore a Fantastical World with 84 Original Art Cards! Creative Storytelling Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 3-6 Players, 30 Min Playtime, Made by Libellud
$29.25
Dixit Quest Board Game - Expand Your Imagination with 84 New Cards! Creative Storytelling Game, Fun Family Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 3-6 Players, 30 Minute Playtime, Made by Libellud
$25.99
Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card game where players collect sushi dishes to create the best meal. Its quick rounds make it perfect for casual play and students looking for a fast, light-hearted game. This game offers quick fun and friendly competition, making it an ideal way to enjoy downtime.
Ticket to Ride is a classic board game where players collect train cards to claim railway routes across a map. This game is perfect for students interested in travel and strategy. Its engaging gameplay can run for hours, providing a great way for students to relax and bond over shared goals and competitive spirit.
Ticket to Ride Europe Board Game - Embark on a Railway Adventure Across the Continent! Fun Family Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 2-5 Players, 30-60 Min Playtime, Made by Days of Wonder
$47.99
Ticket to Ride Board Game - A Cross-Country Train Adventure for Friends and Family! Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 2-5 Players, 30-60 Minute Playtime, Made by Days of Wonder
$43.70
Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of The West Board Game - The Ultimate Train Adventure! Strategy Game, Family Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 10+, 2-5 Players, 20-90 Min Playtime, Made by Days of Wonder
$95.99
Dog Park Easy to Learn Board Game
$59.42
In Pandemic, players work together as a team to stop global outbreaks of diseases. This cooperative game fosters collaboration and strategic planning, making it a fantastic option for students to work together toward a common goal. Its challenge and urgency make it an exciting choice for group game nights.
Pandemic Board Game (Base Game) | Cooperative Board Game for Adults and Family | Ages 8+ | 2 to 4 players | Average Playtime 45 minutes | Made by Z-Man Games
$30.27
Pandemic on the Brink Board Game EXPANSION | Family /Strategy /Cooperative Board Game | Ages 8+ |2 to 5 players | Average Playtime 45 minutes | Made by Z-Man Games , Red
$34.99
Pandemic Legacy Season 1 Blue Edition Board Game for Adults and Family | Cooperative Board Game | Ages 13+ | 2 to 4 players | Average Playtime 60 minutes | Made by Z-Man Games
$54.88
Pandemic Reign of Cthulhu Board Game for Adults and Family | Cooperative | Ages 14+ | 2 to 4 players | Average Playtime 40 minutes | Made by Z-Man Games
$39.99
Forbidden Island is a cooperative game where players work together to retrieve treasures from a sinking island. This thrilling game is perfect for students, encouraging teamwork and strategic planning. Its cooperative nature not only makes it exciting but also strengthens friendships as teams fight against the clock.
Forbidden Island – The Cooperative Strategy Survival Island Board Game,2-4 players
$19.99
Gamewright - Forbidden Jungle - Cooperative Board Game
$23.69
Gamewright Forbidden Desert – The Cooperative Strategy Survival Desert Board Game Multi-colored, 5"
$28.00
Hasbro Gaming Forbidden Bridge Game, Adventure Board Game, Fun Kids Game for Ages 7 and Up, Game for 2 to 4 Players
$27.98
7 Wonders is a fast-paced card drafting game that allows players to develop civilizations over three ages. This game is perfect for students as it encourages strategic thinking and interaction, leading to engaging discussions about strategies. Its depth makes it a great challenge while enabling social interaction, ideal for any gathering.
7 Wonders Architects | Strategy Game | Board Game for Kids and Families | Civilization Board Game for Game Night | Ages 8+ | 2-7 players | Avg. Playtime 25 Min | Made by Repos Production
$41.49
7 Wonders Armada Expansion - Naval Warfare and Enhanced Player Interaction, Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 10+, 3-7 Players, 40 Minute Playtime, Made by Repos Production
$33.16
Repos Production 7 Wonders Duel
$21.99
7 Wonders Board Game BASE GAME (New Edition) for Family | Civilization and Strategy Board Game for Adult Game Night | 3-7 Players | Ages 10+ | Made by Repos Production
$43.01
Carcassonne is a tile-placement game where players build landscapes and claim territories. The game's simplicity combined with strategic depth makes it perfect for students. As players work together to create the game board, it fosters friendly competition and discussion, ideal for bonding time.
Carcassonne Abbey & Mayor Board Game EXPANSION - Unleash New Strategies and Characters! Medieval Strategy Game for Kids and Adults, Ages 7+, 2-6 Players, 45 Minute Playtime, Made by Z-Man Games
$19.99
Carcassonne The Tower Board Game EXPANSION - Reach for the Skies in a New Dimension! Medieval Strategy Game for Kids and Adults, Ages 7+, 2-6 Players, 45 Minute Playtime, Made by Z-Man Games
$19.99
Carcassonne Count, King & Robber Board Game EXPANSION - New Characters, Strategies, and Landscapes! Strategy Game for Kids and Adults, Ages 7+, 2-6 Players, 45 Minute Playtime, Made by Z-Man Games
$11.99
Carcassonne Board Game (BASE GAME) | Board Game for Adults and Family | Strategy Board Game | Medieval Adventure Board Game | Ages 7 and up | 2-5 Players | Made by Z-Man Games
$33.99
Scattergories is an innovative party game in which players create unique lists based on specific categories and letters. It's perfect for sparking creativity and fast thinking, making it an excellent choice for stimulating conversation and laughs among students as they brainstorm and compete.
Hasbro Gaming Scattergories Classic Game, Party Game for Adults and Teens Ages 13 and up, Board Game for 2+ Players
$16.65
Hasbro Gaming Ka-Blab! Game for Families, Teens and Kids Ages 10 and Up, Family-Friendly Party Game for 2-6 Players, from The Makers of Scattergories
$15.79
Hasbro Gaming Classic Scattergories Game, Party Game for Adults and Teens Aged 13 and up, Board Game for 2+ Players
$27.99
Scattergories 30th Anniversary Edition with Electronic Timer by Winning Moves Games USA, Timeless Family Game Enjoyed by Millions for ages 12 and up, 2-6 Players (1229)
$39.99
Wingspan is a beautiful engine-building game centered around bird conservation. Players attract birds to their wildlife preserves, which adds an educational twist. This serene game blends strategy with stunning art, providing a relaxing experience for students while also sparking curiosity about nature and wildlife.
Stonemaier Games: Viticulture Essential Edition (Base Game) | Create The Most Prosperous Tuscan Vineyard | Wine Themed Strategy Board Game for Adults and Family | 1-6 Players, 90 Mins, Ages 14+
$65.00
Pandemic Board Game (Base Game) | Cooperative Board Game for Adults and Family | Ages 8+ | 2 to 4 players | Average Playtime 45 minutes | Made by Z-Man Games
$30.91
CATAN Board Game (Base Game) | Family Board Game | Board Game for Adults and Family | Adventure Board Game | Ages 10+ | for 3 to 4 Players | Average Playtime 60 Minutes | Made by Catan Studio
$43.97
Stonemaier Games: Wingspan Asia | Standalone Game or Expansion to Wingspan (Base Game) | Great for Solo Play or 2 Player | Add to Wingspan for 6-7 Player Expansion | 1-5 Players, 70 Mins, Ages 14+
$44.95
Telestrations is a hilarious drawing and guessing game that results in laughter and fun. Ideal for larger groups, players alternate between drawing and guessing what each other's drawings represent. This game is perfect for icebreaking and creating memorable moments among students.
Telestrations 80s/90s Expansion Pack | Featuring 600 Totally Awesome Words, Phrases, and References | Great New Addition to Telestrations Party Game
$12.99
USAOPOLY TAPPLE® Word Game | Fast-Paced Family Board Game | Choose a Category & Race Against The Timer to be The Last Player | Learning Game Great for All Ages (1 Pack)
$19.89
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
$9.84
Hasbro Gaming Scattergories Classic Game, Party Game for Adults and Teens Ages 13 and up, Board Game for 2+ Players
$16.65
What are the benefits of playing board games for students?
Playing board games helps students develop social skills, improve critical thinking, and encourage teamwork. It serves as a perfect platform for relaxation and bonding, allowing friends to strengthen their relationships in a fun environment.
Which board games are suitable for large groups of students?
Games like Codenames, Just One, and Exploding Kittens are perfect for larger groups as they promote interaction and engagement. These games are designed for multiple players, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.
How can board games help with stress relief for students?
Board games provide an excellent diversion from academic pressures, allowing students to relax and enjoy themselves. The social aspect of playing together helps alleviate stress by fostering laughter and companionship.
Are there board games that can improve communication skills?
Yes, games such as Codenames, Dixit, and Just One enhance communication skills through collaborative gameplay. They require players to think critically and express ideas clearly, making them great tools for improving interpersonal communication.
What age range are these board games suitable for?
Most of the games mentioned are suitable for ages 8 and up, making them perfect for high school or college students. Always check the age recommendations on the packaging to ensure suitability for your specific group.
What are the benefits of playing board games for students?
Playing board games offers numerous benefits for students including improved social skills, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and increased teamwork. Board games provide a fun way to bond with peers, reducing stress and promoting relaxation in a group setting.
How do I choose the right board game for students?
Choosing the right board game for students depends on their preferences and group dynamics. Consider the group's age, interests, and how many players will participate. Games that encourage teamwork and creativity tend to be the best choices for building connections in a relaxed atmosphere.
How long do these board games typically take to play?
Game duration varies by title, but most of the listed games can be played in 30-90 minutes. This makes them suitable for study breaks or casual evenings, allowing students to unwind and bond without taking up too much time.
Are these games suitable for large groups?
Yes, many of these games are designed for larger groups, making them perfect for students. Games like Telestrations and Codenames can accommodate many players, facilitating interaction and engagement during game nights.
Can these games help with stress relief?
Absolutely! Board games can provide a fun distraction from academic pressures and allow students to engage socially. Enjoying a game can promote laughter and connection, serving as an effective stress reliever in students' busy lives.
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