Briar University Isn't Real, But Amazon's 'Off Campus' Draws From Tangible Locations

The latest must-watch romantic drama to land on Amazon Prime Video has viewers captivated, and with a college campus as its backdrop, curiosity about the university at its center is running high.

"Off Campus" takes place in a fictional Massachusetts town at Briar University—a school that exists purely in the imagination of author Elle Kennedy, who created the property for her bestselling book series. The private Ivy League research college isn't modeled after any particular real-world institution, though it serves as the anchor for both the main series and a spinoff called "Briar U."

Filming Locations

Despite Briar University's fictional status, the production team found inspiration in actual locations. Most of "Off Campus" was shot in Vancouver, Canada, with the University of British Columbia serving as the on-screen stand-in for various campus settings. The fraternity house featured in the show—at least its exterior shots—was filmed at a craftsman-style residence in Vancouver's West Point Grey neighborhood, currently home to UBC's engineering fraternity Sigma Phi Delta.

What to Expect

Amazon describes the series as a college-centered drama that "follows an elite ice hockey team, and the women in their lives, as they grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery—forging deep friendships and enduring bonds while navigating the complexities that come with transitioning into adulthood."

The eight-episode first season launched on Prime Video and has already earned a second-season renewal, signaling strong confidence from the streaming platform in the show's staying power.