Hello, fellow game enthusiasts and book lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce a unique board game that’s not just a pastime but a journey through university life, inspired by the themes and adventures in ‘University on Watch’. Whether you’re a student, an alum, or just someone who enjoys a good game night, this game is for you!
What is “University on Watch”?
“University on Watch” is a board game that simulates the vibrant, challenging, and often unpredictable journey of university life. Drawing inspiration from the J. Peters book series of the same name, this game offers players a chance to navigate the highs and lows of academic and social life on a college campus.
Game Components
- The Game Board: A beautifully designed board depicting a university campus, complete with academic buildings, social spaces, and iconic landmarks.
- Game Pieces: Printable, stand-up figures representing characters and symbols of university life, including unique characters inspired by ‘University on Watch’.
- Dice: To navigate through the board.
- Challenge and Opportunity Cards: Cards that present academic challenges, social scenarios, unexpected opportunities, and setbacks.
Gameplay Overview
Players start at the entrance of the university and roll the dice to move around the board. Landing on different spaces triggers various actions:
- Academic and Social Spaces: Draw Challenge cards that test your decision-making skills and knowledge.
- Opportunity Spaces: Gain advantages that help you navigate the board more effectively.
- Setback Spaces: Encounter obstacles that mirror the real-life challenges of university students.
- Landmark Spaces: Unique scenarios inspired by key locations on a typical campus.
The game is less about competition and more about experiencing the diverse aspects of university life. The first player to reach the ‘Graduation’ space completes their journey, but the game can continue until all players have finished, symbolizing the personal nature of each student’s path.
Why Play “University on Watch”?
- Educational and Fun: It’s a great way to learn about different aspects of university life, from managing academics to socializing.
- Engaging for All Ages: Whether you’re a current student, reminiscing about your college days, or just curious about campus life, this game has something for everyone.
- Promotes Discussion: It encourages players to share experiences and strategies, fostering empathy and understanding.
How to Get the Game
You can download and print the game board and pieces directly from this blog. The rules and setup instructions are also provided, so you can easily assemble and start playing.
Final Thoughts
“University on Watch” isn’t just a game; it’s a tribute to the journey of learning, growth, and the myriad experiences that shape our university days. So gather your friends, roll the dice, and embark on an adventure across the campus!
Objective:
Navigate through the university experience, balancing academic, social, and personal challenges, inspired by the themes of ‘University on Watch’.
Number of Players: 2-6
Materials:
- Game board
- Printable game pieces
- Dice
- Challenge and Opportunity cards
Setup:
- Place the game board in the center where all players can reach it.
- Shuffle the Challenge and Opportunity cards and place them in designated spaces on the board.
- Each player selects a game piece and places it at the start.
Gameplay:
- Starting the Game:
- Players roll the dice to determine the order of play. The highest roll goes first.
- Player Turns:
- On their turn, a player rolls the dice and moves their piece forward the corresponding number of spaces.
- The space the player lands on determines their action:
- Academic Spaces: Draw a Challenge card related to academic scenarios.
- Social Spaces: Draw a Challenge card with social situations.
- Opportunity Spaces: Draw an Opportunity card that offers advantages or bonuses.
- Setback Spaces: Draw a Challenge card that presents setbacks or dilemmas.
- Landmark Spaces: Offers unique challenges or bonuses based on the landmark.
- Playing Cards:
- Read the card aloud and follow the instructions. Some cards may require decision-making, role-playing, or group discussion.
- After the action is resolved, the card is placed at the bottom of the deck.
- Moving Forward:
- Play continues clockwise.
- Players navigate through different university-themed challenges and opportunities.
- End of the Game:
- The first player to reach the ‘Graduation’ space at the end of the board completes their university journey.
- However, the game can continue until all players have reached the end, symbolizing that everyone’s university path is unique and varies in length.
Winning the Game:
- The game focuses on the journey rather than competition. There’s no traditional ‘winning’, but reaching the end signifies a successful navigation of university life.
Game Variations:
- For a shorter game, limit the number of rounds or set a time limit.
- For added complexity, introduce specific rules for different characters or game pieces.
Instructions for Printable Game Pieces for University-Themed Board Game
Materials Needed:
- Printed game pieces (provided in the blog post)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape (optional, for extra stability)
Steps:
- Print the Game Pieces:
- Download the game pieces from the blog post.
- Print them on a sturdy paper or cardstock for durability.
- Cut Out the Pieces:
- Use scissors to carefully cut around each game piece.
- Be precise around the edges and the base tab.
- Fold the Base Tab:
- Each piece has a tab at the bottom.
- Fold this tab backward along the dotted line. This creates a flat surface that allows the piece to stand.
- Assemble the Pieces:
- Stand each piece upright by balancing it on its base tab.
- If the pieces are not stable enough, use a small piece of tape or glue to reinforce the base.
- Using the Pieces in the Game:
- Each game piece represents a different character or university symbol.
- Players can choose a piece that resonates with them or aligns with the role they wish to play in the game.
- Move the pieces around the board according to the game rules.
- Storage:
- Store the pieces flat when not in use to prevent damage.
- A small envelope or ziplock bag can be used for storage.
Tips:
- If you want the pieces to last longer, consider laminating them before cutting.
- Be creative! Feel free to color or customize the pieces to your liking.
Author Info:
Max E. Guttman
Max E. Guttman is the owner of Mindful Living LCSW, PLLC, a private mental health practice in Yonkers, New York.
