My problem with the "slice of life" genre is that it is very hard to relate to the character in those shows. Just like how Fist of North Star have over-the-top violent, "slice of life" tend to suffer from over-the-top peace and happiness.
Hachimitsu to Clover have none of those problem. The characters in the show faced a lot of realistic problem. Young people have endless opportunity in front of them, but at the same time it bring the same amount of doubt and anxiety.
The main character (MC), being not specially talented at anything, is surrounded by a cast of super talented friend with bright future ahead of them. Setting the standard of "satisfying career" even harder for the MC. Now mix in some romance, love triangle, drama, job-hunter, and graduation closer and closer.
The story is presented with a great dose of comedy, with beautify graphic style that resemble oil painting, a perfect match for a show that set in a art college.
Hachimitsu to Clover is one awesome bittersweet journey, something that only happened once in anyone's life time. The show doesn't have any tear-jerking moment, but I know I shed some tears at the end.