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25+ Books for College Students to Read in University (2022 Edition)

Looking for great books for college students to read in university you've come to the right place. here are our top picks for great reads..

Christian Eilers

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You do a lot of reading in college— 

From Microeconomics (10th edition) to checking the style guide in the Publication Manual of the APA to all those flyers posted in your dorm’s common area, you’ve got your hands—er, eyes—full.

Those are all good reads, for sure.

However— 

Both fiction and non-fiction, from self-improvement to psychological thriller, we’ve got several awesome college book recommendations for your spare time. 

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Here are the best books for college students to read while attending university:

1. The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter–And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay

Ever since its publication in 2012, The Defining Decade has become the defining book for all twentysomethings. As we begin this new decade, Meg Jay’s book stays just as relevant. Full of stories from other twenty-year-olds and plenty of scientific research, this is one of the best college books to read for students and young adults. 

“A clinical psychologist issues a four-alarm call for the 50 million 20-somethings in America…. A cogent argument for growing up and a handy guidebook on how to get there.” Kirkus Reviews

See the book on : Goodreads • Amazon Kindle • Audible

2. The Quarter-Life Breakthrough: Invent Your Own Path, Find Meaningful Work, and Build a Life That Matters by Adam Smiley Poswolsky

Adam Poswolsky didn’t immediately realize that his above-average job with excellent pay was actually the cause of so much heartache and trouble for him. In this must-read book for college students, university graduates, and young professionals, he lays out plenty of solid advice for that most-pressing question in your twenties— what to do with my life? 

“With his triumphant The Quarter-Life Breakthrough, millennial Adam Smiley Poswolsky earns his place as a major voice of his generation. Pragmatic, philosophical, passionate, humble, delightfully funny, and infectiously inspiring, Poswolsky is a torchlight for those hungry to craft a more purposeful and rewarding adult life.” Julie Lythcott-Haims, New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult

Related Read : How to Take Initiative: Definition & Complete Guide for Career & Education

3. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

This is one of my all-time favorite books, in my top 5 actually, and I believe it’s one of the best books to read during college.

In this 771-page story, Theo Decker survives an accident, but this accident kills his mother. This recalibrates his course in life from an innocent boy to a young man moving through the shady side of the art world. 

Beautifully written—it won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2014—it’s a perfect coming-of-age story for our times, full of hope, fear, love, anxiety, pain, and identity.  

4. How to Become a Straight-A Student: The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less by Cal Newport

This is the first Cal Newport book on our list of best books for students to read, and it’s jam-packed full of helpful advice. How to Become a Straight-A Student includes guidelines on writing A+ exam papers, choosing the right essay topics, and optimizing your study time.

“A smart, concise, fun, and above all informative guide on how to ace college by being smarter about how to work . . . This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to do well at college and enjoy it too.” M. Cecilia Gaposchkin, Assistant Dean of Faculty for Pre-Major Advising, Dartmouth College

Related Read : What Should I Major In? The Complete Guide on How to Choose a Major

5. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

Atomic Habits is a great book for college students looking for an action plan on how to improve their lives, break bad habits, and form good habits.

Clear’s book is just that—clear. He takes tough, hard-to-grasp concepts and problems easy to understand and offers some simple ideas for turning them around. Whether you’re suffering from low willpower or struggling to measure progress, this book is for you.

“A supremely practical and useful book. James Clear distills the most fundamental information about habit formation, so you can accomplish more by focusing on less.” Mark Manson, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

6. Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience by Meg Jay

This is Meg Jay’s second title on our list of best books to read in college, and for good reason. In Supernormal , she talks us through adversity, the hidden handicap many of us face by the time we reach adulthood. In fact, according to Meg Jay’s research, she believes 5% of us experience adversity by the age of 20.

In this book, she gives us plenty of stories of regular people just like you, including artists, academics, students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals, and how they overcame adversity through resilience, courage, and strength.

“Adversity is much more common than we think. But so is resilience, as Meg Jay reveals in this remarkable book. With a storyteller’s grace and a clinician’s insight, Jay explains how everyday superheroes triumph over traumas of every kind — and how you can use their inspiration and lessons to transform your own life.” Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of Drive

Related Read : 6 College Essay Tips to Help You Write & Ace Your Next University Paper

7. Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell

As a college student, you might have left the comfort and safety net of your home, family, and childhood friends. Making new friends in university can be daunting, to say the very least. In Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers , he doesn’t give us any answers to how to make friends or talk to strangers. However, he does give excellent insight into why some communication works while others don’t, as well as plenty of historical moments which could have had a different outcome if the parties involved could understand the other side just a bit better.

“Mr. Gladwell’s towering success rests on the moment when the skeptic starts to think that maybe we’re wrong about everything and maybe, just maybe, this Gladwell guy is onto something…Talking to Strangers is weightier than his previous titles.” Amy Chozick, New York Times

8. 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less) by Thomas Frank

In 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades , Thomas Frank goes beyond the common tips for earning good grades. Whether you’re a high school student or studying at university, this is one of the best books to read in college for studying smarter, planning better, conquering procrastination, and staying organized.

Related Read : 15 Best MBA Programs Around the World (MIT, Oxford, Tokyo & More!)

9. Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown

Unless you’ve entered college early like Sheldon Cooper, you’re an adult now. In this book, Ms. Brown gives hundreds of useful life tips for navigating adult situations. Whether you’re renting your first apartment, getting your first job , or trying to network with other newbie adults, this is one of the best books for university students to read, for sure.

“These are the steps I wish I’d had before I grew up. Wait-What am I talking about? These are steps I will start using today! Kelly Williams Brown writes as charmingly and hysterically as she does helpfully. Get this book and grow up!” J.J. Abrams – Writer, Director, Producer

10. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

In this one out of a collection of three in the You Are a Badass series, international traveler and bestselling author Jen Sincero tells it like it is. It’s a self-help book for people who are skeptical of people who read self-help books.

In 27 short chapters, with titles such as “Fear Is for Suckers” and “My Subconscious Made Me Do It,” Sincero gives us inspirational stories, tips for how to improve your relationships, surprisingly insightful advice, and more, all with her signature snark, curse word, and humor.

Related Read : 10+ Best College Tips & Advice to Improve Your University Experience

11. How to Win at College: Surprising Secrets for Success from the Country’s Top Students by Cal Newport

In How to Win at College , Cal Newport interviews the best students around the United States in top-tier universities. Their insight, laid out in chapter form, spans topics such as dropping college classes, pulling all-nighters, working on projects, and grade point averages.

“Highly recommended because it is full of practical tips that will help high school grads take the next step in life.” Money

12. A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra) by Barbara Oakley

Now an engineering professor, Barbara Oakley once flunked several math and science classes. With her academic background, she becomes the perfect person to empathize with struggling STEM students. In this book, she lets us in on her secrets and solutions to understanding numbers better.

“A good teacher will leave you educated. But a great teacher will leave you curious. Well, Barbara Oakley is a great teacher. Not only does she have a mind for numbers, she has a way with words, and she makes every one of them count.” Mike Rowe, creator and host of Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” and CEO of mikeroweWORKS

Related Read : How to Make Money in College (25 Ways to Earn Money as a Student)

13. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

This is one of my favorite books of all time, full of hijinks, comedy, and satire. Written between 1928 and 1940 during Stalin’s time in power, it is full of allusions mocking the Soviet Union, and you can get a great sense of life during those times if you can see past the comedy. It’s one of the greatest books in Russian literature, as well as one of the best books of the entire 20th century, which is why it’s one of the must-read books for college students.

“From the first page I was immediately beguiled, leading me to my year of reading Bulgakov, drawing me to venture to Moscow to seek out the landmarks in the book, and the author’s grave, which is steps away from the grave of Gogol.” Patti Smith, The New York Times Book Review

14. Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life by Gary John Bishop

This book is an all-around great read, for college students, high school students, and just anyone suffering from self-doubt. In fact, it even made it onto our list of the best business books to read for entrepreneurs and aspiring startup founders.

In Unfu*k Yourself , Gary John Bishop becomes your personal drill instructor for expanding the boundaries of your self-imposed limits. This book aims to get rid of the toxic self-doubt, lack of motivation, and negativity keeping you down so you can “get out of your head and into your life.”

“If you like your self-help without any BS, look to Gary John Bishop’s Unfu k Yourself, [which] aims to help readers who feel f cked up work through their challenges. You’ll get advice and tools to combat negative self-talk and feel more empowered.” Bustle

See the book on : Goodreads • Amazon • Audible

Related Read : When to Apply for Scholarships? How to Find the Best Time (w/ Tips!)

15. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

In This Side of Paradise , the first novel by American literary icon F. Scott Fitzgerald, Amory Blaine is a college student enrolling into Princeton with big dreams and a love interest. It’s a perfect book for college students to read, as most university students will be able to sympathize with the main character, even if it was written 100 years ago.

Those were our top 15 best books to read in college. 

That’s not all! 

Here are more great books for college students to read throughout university:

16. Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By by Cary Siegel

Especially useful if you’re applying for an unpaid internship !

Related Read : 10+ Best Test Anxiety Tips & Advice to Reduce Quiz and Exam Stress

17. The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

18. educated by tara westover, 19. lean in for graduates: with new chapters by experts, including find your first job, negotiate your salary, and own who you are by sheryl sandberg, 20. half of a yellow sun by chimamanda ngozi adichie, 21. extremely loud and incredibly close by jonathan safran foer, 22. predictably irrational: the hidden forces that shape our decisions by dan ariely, 23. brave new world by aldous huxley, 24. never let me go by kazuo ishiguro, 25. blink: the power of thinking without thinking by malcolm gladwell, 26. norwegian wood by haruki murakami.

In this 1987 book from the Japanese master, Toru is a college student facing challenges in love and tragedy. As a classic coming-of-age story with Murakami’s signature magical realism twist, it’s a perfect book to read during college years.

27. The Art of Happiness by His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV

Related Read : How to Choose a College: 7 Considerations for Finding the Right University

Well, that’s our list of the best books for university students to read!

Got any feedback, questions, or other great books for undergrads? Let us know in the comments below, and thanks for reading!

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17 books you should read before (or at) university – chosen by students

From inspiring novels to frank discussions of sexuality, these are the books students wish they had read to ease the transition to university and prepare for a new stage in their academic and personal lives..

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Carly Minsky

Books sold at a street market

Forget the piles of textbooks or the long academic reading lists; preparing for university is as much about preparing for a whole new stage of life as it is about broadening your intellectual horizons.

And to help you along your journey of self-discovery, 12 students from Singapore to Germany have recommended the books – both fiction and non-fiction – that they wish they had read to help with their own transition.

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Covering family issues, new friends, mental health, sexuality, study strategies, independence and intellectual inspiration, these are the motivational, provocative and also comforting reads you need on your bookshelf.

Do you agree with this list? Share your opinions or add recommendations in the comments.

17 Books You Should Read Before (or at) University

(Descriptions and student reviews below)

  • What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20 by Teena Seelig
  • The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan
  • Picture by Lillian Ross
  • Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas J. McBride
  • Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • Unbecoming by Jenny Downham
  • Sane New World by Ruby Wax
  • I Am NOT Going to School Today by Robie H. Harris
  • How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
  • The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
  • Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael Sandel
  • The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer
  • The Defining Decade by Meg Jay 
  • Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
  • A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
  • Before You Leap –  a self-help ‘autobiographical’ book by Kermit the Frog 

Best universities for arts and humanities

1. what i wish i knew when i was 20 by teena seelig.

The executive director of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program, Teena Seelig, provides personal stories of people going beyond expectations and challenging the status quo, adding her own advice about how to reach your potential when you transition to a new stage in life.

Recommended by Melisa Junata, a biomedical engineering student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong , originally from Indonesia.

2. The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan

“I wish I would have read this before embarking on the exciting journey that is studying.”

This collection of personal essays by a recent Yale graduate, published after she died in a car crash, became a best-seller, provoking young people to reflect on what they really want from life.

Recommended by Felix Simon, who is studying for his BA in film and media studies and English studies at Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany.  

3.  Picture by Lillian Ross

“Written in 1952, it is as relevant today as it was in the ’50s and makes you understand how the (Western) film industry really works.”

4. Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas J. McBride

“In this book, the author sets out the various stages in the career path of an aspiring lawyer in the form of answering the letters of a law student. The title of this book is somewhat misleading as he not only answers hard-core law questions but deals with issues prior to the first year at university and explains the transition from A level.

“Much advice is general and so helps aspiring university-goers who will be non-law students. It’s a great book; it taught me organisational skills that are essential to being an independent learner and researcher, taking ‘independent’ to a whole new level of self-motivation.

“The author challenges independent thinking, the reader’s current problem-solving skills and an eye for detail by not just throwing a whole load of theory at him/her, but demonstrating the challenges through exercises at the back of almost each letter. Responses are revealed at the end of the book with detailed explanations as to why the answer is X, not Y. It’s an entertaining read as the language is adapted to a young adult reader, and it departs from otherwise fancy vocabulary associated with adult advice.”

Recommended by Noorin Malik, a law student at the University of Leeds , originally from Germany.  

5. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

“It’s one of the only Young Adult books that covers university life instead of just before or just after! It follows family issues, anxiety and new friendships all throughout the narrator’s first year, and it’s a really easy and fun read. It's a really different view on the typical fiction about university being all drinking and new friends, but is still really optimistic – a must-read for anyone who doesn’t feel like they fit the stereotypical loud, partying university mould!”

Recommended by Katie Hodgkinson, a medical student at University College London.  

6. Unbecoming by Jenny Downham

“It covers so many issues but isn’t an ‘issues’ book; sexuality, dementia, learning difficulties and family issues are all covered sensitively while woven into three beautiful stories from three women in three generations of one family. It gives the holistic view that so many healthcare professionals lose when they’re bogged down in patient statistics and science – that actually, the scientific answer might not actually be the best depending on the personality and history of the person in question.”

7. Sane New World by Ruby Wax

“I’m not big on non-fiction, and I’d never read a self-help book until this one – and I finished it feeling like everyone should have this one their bookshelf. I read it all in one go, but it’s the perfect book to dip in and out of, when you feel like you need it. Going to university, and staying at university, is a really transformative time; and sometimes, we all need a helping hand. This book is really good at offering this in a very non-patronising way, talking about solutions as well as problems. Ruby Wax makes it clear that this book is not just for people who suffer with labelled mental health issues, be it anxiety or depression, but for everyone – because we’ve all felt stressed or isolated or scared, whether it’s about meeting new people, finishing your essay or getting used to a new city with new people. Read it before you go, and then take it with you. A little bit of mindfulness never did anyone any harm.”

Recommended by Laura Warner, studying geography at University College London.  

8. I Am NOT Going to School Today by Robie H. Harris

“I’m pretty sure that my first day at university was far scarier than my first day of school. There was no colouring, no stories, no playtime and no one made me a packed lunch. There was also no one to make me go. We all have memories of telling our parents that, no matter what, we were categorically, absolutely not possibly ever going to school the next day – and then, sure enough, being bundled into the car or on to the bus at 8am the next day. No one’s there making you go to university, you can stay in bed if you want to, and skip the first day. This book that reminds us that the first day is never as scary as we think and that, on the second day, we’ll have friends, we’ll know where places are and what we need to do. It also reminds us that if you need to take a toy monkey with you on your first day, that is OK.”

9. How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport

“This book is a very straightforward guide to university life. It is brief and gives different, clear strategies for studying, preparing for exams, organising your appointments and how to avoid procrastinating . It does so in an easily readable and funny style. In short, the book offers a few simple but effective strategies to get your studying organised, so that you can also enjoy your social life, sleep and personal hobbies to the fullest extent possible in a full academic schedule.”

Recommended by Melisande Riefler, studying at United World College in Germany. She has applied through Ucas for university in the UK.  

10. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides

“ The Marriage Plot tells the story of three Brown University graduates, focusing initially on their life at university and then on their life after. This novel gives a refreshing contrast to the typical romantic ending and lets the reader experience the struggles and adventures of three young people trying to find themselves in a complex world. Written in a gripping and beautiful style, with funny and very serious moments, this is a truly enjoyable novel for readers before and after university, those who read a lot and those who read rarely.”

11. Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael Sandel

“As a social science student, a book I would really recommend is Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael Sandel. It gives a really well-structured, easy-to-read introduction to critical thinking and moral issues, and there’s a lot of content in my lectures that reminds me of this book!”

Recommended by Lu Allan, studying philosophy, politics and sociology at the University of Glasgow , Scotland.  

12. The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

“We’re often too afraid to ask for help, because to ask for help is to feel like you’re being ‘weak’. So we bottle all of it inside and get stressed out. Amanda Palmer’s book is an honest and genuine reminder to all of us that sometimes, it’s OK to open up and throw yourself into the embrace of family and loved ones. It is a reminder that people care, and we should give ourselves the opportunity to be surprised when help comes from the most unexpected of places.”

Recommended by Nicolette Tan, studying political science at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. She is originally from Singapore.  

13. The Defining Decade by Meg Jay 

“We are the ‘30 is the new 20’ generation, and we’re told that we should explore and make all our mistakes in our twenties, and that it doesn’t matter. As a graduating senior, I cannot help but meet my ‘adult life’ with trepidation and fear. The Defining Decade draws from scientific studies done on twenty-somethings as well as anecdotes and stories from twenty-somethings, and puts together an assembly of information on how work, relationships, personality, social networks, identity and even the brain can change more during this decade than at any other time in adulthood – if we use the time wisely. A fun, smart and constructive read.”

14. The Bible

“The Bible – a manual for life. Going through different stories in the Old and the New Testament empowers one to make better decisions. Every single thing and situation we see ourselves in growing out of our parents’ home into independence is there: friends’ betrayal (Judas Iscariot), family hatred (Joseph and his brothers who sold him into slavery; David and Abesalom), fear of the unknown (Jonah), temptation and sexual immorality (Judah and Tamar); rape (Amon and Tamar, who were brother and sister). But then we also have the beauty of friendship (David and Jonathan), the persistence of becoming great (Jacob), never-give-up spirit (Job), united families (Joseph and Mary) and, above all, true love (the love of Jesus towards mankind). So, everything and anything can be found in the Bible. And I’m strongly convinced, irrespective of your religion, that you’ll enjoy it. It’s fun to read! Personally, being a Christian has helped me a lot through my university years to overcome challenges (ie, family, friends, finance, career goals, relationships). I literally owe God my life!”

Recommended by Deborah Busari, studying for a master’s in economics of international business and finance at the University of Reading , UK. She is originally from Sofia, Bulgaria.  

15. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

“With university providing many opportunities to spend, spend, spend, Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella is a perfect read for every fresher, male or female. The book focuses on Becky Bloomwood, a financial journalist whose idea of managing finances is throwing credit card bills under the bed: out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes. This pushes Becky into a world of spiralling debt, bank managers and upset – something not uncommon in our credit-obsessed world. I love this book, not because it’s hilarious and extremely relatable, but because it includes hidden stories and meanings behind the well-humoured print. What on face value appears a comic look at the shopaholic tendencies of women actually delves deep into the tapestry of our society, and this is why I think it's an essential read before university.”

Recommended by Olivia Firth, studying management at the University of York , UK.  

16. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

“This self-help book really allows university students to learn how to manage their time wisely. A timely publication that is universally acclaimed.”*

Recommended by Tobias Jones, studying for a master’s in Middle Eastern studies at Leiden University , the Netherlands. He is originally from the UK.

*For a more reliable description of the book, see here .  

17. Before You Leap – a self-help ‘autobiographical’ book by Kermit the Frog

“One book that is definitely a fun read is Before You Leap , a self-help ‘autobiographical’ book by Kermit the Frog. I received this book as a high school graduation gift, and in turn have gifted it to friends for university graduations. Covering topics from romance, to settling into a career and managing your finances, Kermit offers some fun and fresh advice for anyone going through a transitional period in their lives. An optimistic outlook from the swamp, Kermit’s wit and wisdom is more profound than expected!”

Recommended by Amanda Battistuzzi, studying for a bachelor of education at Laurentian University , Canada.

Read more:  Five tips to make the most of your university experience

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university level books to read

The 60 Best Campus Novels from the Last 100 Years

From evelyn waugh to rebecca makkai.

The days are dying, the plants are darkening, the books are crisp and the leaves are fascinating—the academic year is in full swing, for those lucky (?) enough to be on a campus during this most campus-y of seasons. For the rest of us, there are only novels. So to keep you company as the cold weather descends, here is a list of the greatest academic satires, campus novels, and boarding school bildungsromans  in the modern canon.

I limited my selections to one per author (though I made an extra note here and there, and a set or two may have slipped in) and I excluded anything written for children (or the magic schools would overwhelm), though boarding schools in general are allowed. Finally, my obligatory caveat that not every campus novel that anyone has ever loved is included here, lists and time both being finite and literature being subjective, but please feel free to add on in the comments section.

waugh decline and fall

Evelyn Waugh, Decline and Fall (1928)

A novel in which events are set in motion by a trouser theft and subsequent streaking and even subsequenter expulsion? No one does satire like Waugh. See also:  Brideshead Revisited , the most famous (and best) campus novel that is actually mostly not a campus novel at all.

Dorothy L. Sayers, Gaudy Night

Dorothy L. Sayers, Gaudy Night   (1935)

In which Harriet Vane studies Sheridan Le Fanu at Oxford, and also solves a mystery.

Mary McCarthy, The Groves of Academe

Mary McCarthy, The Groves of Academe (1952)

Based on McCarthy’s experiences teaching at Bard and Sarah Lawrence with “a certain number of seasoned nonconformists and dissenters, sexual deviants, feather-bedders, alcoholics, impostors.”

Randall Jarrell, Pictures from an Institution

Randall Jarrell, Pictures from an Institution (1954)

277 pages of absolute zingers.

Kingsley Amis, Lucky Jim

Kingsley Amis, Lucky Jim   (1954)

A funny, snotty, miserable sendup of British academia, from the funny, snotty, miserable Kingsley Amis himself.

Vladimir Nabokov, Pnin

Vladimir Nabokov, Pnin   (1957)

Nabokov’s funniest novel, featuring emigré professor Timofey Pnin, who (like Nabokov himself) finds himself teaching American undergrads after being exiled from Russia. See also: Pale Fire , sorta.

John Knowles, A Separate Peace

John Knowles, A Separate Peace   (1959)

A classic coming-of-age novel, set in the shadow of World War II.

Louis Auchincloss, The Rector of Justin

Louis Auchincloss, The Rector of Justin (1964)

Eighty years unspool in the life of headmaster Frank Prescott in Auchincloss’s most beloved novel.

university level books to read

John Williams, Stoner   (1965)

The best campus novel you’ve never heard of, except that you’ve definitely heard of it by now.

Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me

Richard Fariña, Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me (1966)

Part campus novel, part travelogue, part counterculture cult classic, all of it written while Fariña was an undergrad at Cornell.

Alison Lurie, The War Between the Tates

Alison Lurie, The War Between the Tates   (1974)

The war between the sexes in a Cornell-stand-in during the 1960s.

David Lodge, The Campus Trilogy

David Lodge, The Campus Trilogy   (1975; 1984; 1988)

The reigning classics, to which so many other campus novels must be compared. If you only read one campus novel (trilogy), make it this one.

Pat Conroy, Lords of Discipline

Pat Conroy, The Lords of Discipline (1980)

The campus novel, but make it a military academy.

Wallace Stegner, Crossing to Safety

Wallace Stegner, Crossing to Safety (1987)

A classic—and lovely—ode to friendship.

Fleur Jaeggy, tr. Tim Parks, Sweet Days of Discipline

Fleur Jaeggy, tr. Tim Parks, Sweet Days of Discipline   (1989; translation 1993)

A haunting, hypnotic little novel about obsession and captivity, set in a boarding school in the Appenzell.

A. S. Byatt, Possession

A.S. Byatt,  Possession: A Romance (1990)

Not strictly a campus novel, though certainly an academic novel with vibes . The novel “plays serious games,” wrote Byatt, with “the detective story, the biography, the mediaeval verse Romance, the modern romantic novel, and Hawthorne’s fantastic historical Romance in between, the campus novel, the Victorian third-person narration, the epistolary novel, the forged manuscript novel, and the primitive fairy tale of the three women, filtered through Freud’s account of the theme in his paper on the Three Caskets.” Whew.

Javier Marías, tr. Margaret Jull Costa, All Souls

Javier Marías, tr. Margaret Jull Costa, All Souls   (1992)

The Oxford novel—through the eyes of a visiting Spanish professor (and old book fiend).

The Secret History, Donna Tartt

Donna Tartt, The Secret History   (1992)

The ur-campus novel, the ur-dark academia text, the ur-autumn murder/mood board.

Ishmael Reed, Japanese by Spring

Ishmael Reed, Japanese by Spring (1993)

There are some very funny names in the campus satire universe (shout out to Waugh’s Paul Pennyfeather) but none, perhaps, as funny as Reed’s Benjamin “Chappie” Puttbutt.

Richard Powers, Galatea 2.2

Richard Powers, Galatea 2.2   (1995)

Powers’ campus novel concerns a professor named Richard Powers who is suffering from a bad case of writer’s block. He is tasked with teaching an artificial intelligence English Literature, an experience that helps him return to his own humanity. Campus novel? Speculative fiction? Autofiction? Throw it all in there.

university level books to read

Jane Smiley, Moo (1995)

A ludicrous, warm satire of both academia and the Midwest—welcome to cow college.

Michael Chabon, Wonder Boys

Michael Chabon, Wonder Boys   (1995)

The gold standard for writing program novels.

James Hynes, Publish and Perish

James Hynes, Publish and Perish: Three Tales of Tenure and Terror (1997)

A set of supernatural-tinged campus novellas, for those who already know academia is hell. See also:  The Lecturer’s Tale  (2001)

university level books to read

Richard Russo, Straight Man (1997)

The rare novel that might actually make you laugh out loud—especially if you’ve spent any time in academia.

the human stain roth

Philip Roth, The Human Stain (2000)

In which Roth unpacks “America’s oldest communal passion, historically perhaps its most treacherous and subversive pleasure: the ecstasy of sanctimony.”

Denis Johnson, The Name of the World 

Denis Johnson,  The Name of the World   (2000)

A restrained, jewel-like novel in which a Midwestern university becomes a refuge (of sorts) for a man beset by grief.

Tobias Wolff, Old School

Tobias Wolff, Old School   (2003)

A wonderful, subtle novel about an unnamed narrator at an unnamed prep school who wants nothing more than to become a great writer.

Kazuo Ishiguro, Never Le Me Go

Kazuo Ishiguro, Never Let Me Go (2005)

The boarding school novel as only Ishiguro could write it.

Curtis Sittenfeld, Prep

Curtis Sittenfeld, Prep   (2005)

Sittenfeld’s debut has become a modern classic of the prep school genre.

on beauty zadie smith

Zadie Smith, On Beauty (2005)

Two families are at war and everyone’s tastes and predilections (and yes, identities ) are up for debate in Smith’s novel, inspired by E.M. Foster’s Howards End but now a modern classic in its own right.

Marisha Pessl, Special Topics in Calamity Physics

Marisha Pessl, Special Topics in Calamity Physics   (2006)

Hyper-stylized, Nabokov-worshipping, nerdy fun for English majors.

Jean Hanff Korelitz, Admission

Jean Hanff Korelitz, Admission (2009)

Concerning, as the title suggests, an infrequent campus novel subject: the admissions officer.

Paul Murray, Skippy Dies

Paul Murray, Skippy Dies (2010)

Big and fun and boisterous and containing the most dramatic donut-jelly smear in literature.

Lan Samantha Chang, All is Forgotten, Nothing is Lost

Lan Samantha Chang, All is Forgotten, Nothing is Lost (2010)

Required reading for all creative writing students (especially those who go to Iowa).

Chad Harbach, The Art of Fielding

Chad Harbach, The Art of Fielding (2011)

A campus novel and a sports novel in one!

university level books to read

Jeffrey Eugenides,  The Marriage Plot   (2011)

Come for the sneaky representation of David Foster Wallace, stay for the delicious English major drama.

Pamela Erens, The Virgins

Pamela Erens, The Virgins (2013)

Also very sexy—and sort of like if James Salter had written a boarding school novel.

university level books to read

Susan Choi,  My Education   (2013)

André Aciman, Harvard Square

André Aciman, Harvard Square   (2013)

Any book that includes skinny dipping in Walden Pond is literary catnip.

black chalk yates

Christopher J. Yates, Black Chalk (2013)

The Secret History  for math majors.

dear committee members

Julie Schumacher, Dear Committee Members (2014)

A campus novel in the form of a series of recommendation letters from a very put-upon (and irritated) professor. As funny as it sounds. See also: The Shakespeare Requirement   (2018)

Tana French, The Secret Place

Tana French, The Secret Place (2014)

French’s campus novel is set at a boarding school, and wildly is not  the novel of hers most akin to  The Secret History (that would be  The Likeness ) but the vibes are still there: cliques, murder, and a hint of magic.

university level books to read

Elif Batuman, The Idiot (2017)

A surprisingly engrossing book about a year at college in which nothing really happens (relatable) but everyone is interesting about it (well). See also: Either/Or (2022)

university level books to read

Weike Wang, Chemistry (2017)

The rare campus novel  not  to concern itself with an English department—but rather a graduate student in a chemistry lab, slowly unraveling as well as any poet.

R. O. Kwon, The Incendiaries

R.O. Kwon, The Incendiaries (2018)

An unusual entry in the campus novel canon, taking on as it does not only mismatched college relationships, cultish friend groups and dazzling alumni, but honest-to-goodness religious extremism, of the sort that is only becoming more relevant.

Jordy Rosenberg, Confessions of the Fox

Jordy Rosenberg, Confessions of the Fox (2018)

A genre-bending, meta-campus novel told through the annotations of a rogue professor who discovers the lost memoirs of famed 18th century thief Jack Sheppard, reimagined as a transgender man—and soon finds their stories converging.

university level books to read

Sally Rooney, Normal People (2018)

The campus novel, but make it Marxist.

Juliet Lapidos, Talent

Juliet Lapidos, Talent (2019)

A satirical campus novel for the millennial ABD set—deliciously full of side-eye and dry wit.

Leigh Bardugo, Ninth House

Leigh Bardugo,  Ninth House   (2019)

If Yale’s secret societies did blood magic.

mona awad bunny

Mona Awad,  Bunny   (2019)

A delightfully deranged novel about a tight-knit clique at a creative writing MFA program, whose members, Bunnies all, bring a whole new meaning to the term “cute aggression.” See also: Mona Awad, All’s Well   (2021)

catherine house

Elisabeth Thomas, Catherine House (2020)

A gothic campus novel that will scratch your fantasy itch without necessarily (or at least provably ) including any fantasy.

the truants kate weinberg

Kate Weinberg, The Truants (2020)

For Agatha Christie stans and those who love them.

Brandon Taylor, Real Life

Brandon Taylor, Real Life (2020)

A campus novel that takes place over one weekend at a Midwestern university, in which Wallace, a Black, gay biochemistry PhD candidate, navigates his white cohort and a growing sense of unease.

Emily M. Danforth, Plain Bad Heroines

Emily M. Danforth, Plain Bad Heroines (2020)

For a good time, try this big, sprawling, heavily footnoted, queer, gothic novel about a girls’ boarding school haunted—maybe—by two long-dead lovers.

the life of the mind_christine smallwood

Christine Smallwood, The Life of the Mind (2021)

Smallwood’s debut feels like the next evolution of the campus novel—concerning not professors but adjuncts, not faculty parties but strained conferences, not external hijinks but elaborate interiority. Yay, modernity.

Joshua Cohen, The Netanyahus

Joshua Cohen, The Netanyahus: An Account of a Minor and Ultimately Even Negligible Episode in the History of a Very Famous Family (2021)

Cohen’s genre-bending novel of history and scholarship and family and Jewishness and Americanness won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize.

Lee Cole, Groundskeeping

Lee Cole, Groundskeeping (2022)

Set in the fall of 2016, in which a 28-year-old groundskeeper at Ashby College—a prestigious university in a red state—who aspires to be a writer falls for the school’s author in residence, who comes from a family of Bosnian immigrants. Enter complications—and competition.

university level books to read

Julia May Jonas, Vladimir (2022)

A recent and delicious entry into the campus novel canon—and the obsession novel canon, too.

Disorientation

Elaine Hsieh Chou, Disorientation (2022)

Another recent campus satire inspired by the (scarcely believable, but true) story of the poet Michael Derrick Hudson, who used the pen name Yi-Fen Chou in hopes of smoothing the path to publication.

Rebecca Makkai, I Have Some Questions For You

Rebecca Makkai, I Have Some Questions For You (2023)

It’s not out yet, but I can’t help but include Makkai’s forthcoming modern campus novel, in which a woman goes back to her old boarding school to teach a class on podcasting and winds up reliving—and relitigating—her own youth and the murder of a classmate.  The Secret History  meets  Serial !

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12 Books Set at University That All Students Should Read

To get you ready for the next three years at uni, here's some books that should be on your reading list...

Billy Picard

How many books have you read that are set at university? Not enough, that’s how many. There’s actually a whole sub-genre (known as the ‘Campus Novel’) that focuses on the lives of both students and professors, ranging from the comic and the bizarre to the more realistic (and even the downright disturbing).

Below are 12 highlights. For each one we’ve included a quick summary of the plot and a bit about why it’s worth a go...

1) Starter for Ten (David Nicholls)

Starter_for_Ten

Image via Hodder Paperbacks

What’s it about? Nicholls’ book takes us to an unnamed British uni in the 1980s, where we meet Brian Jackson – a fresher who joins the school’s University Challenge team. We track his journey through first year and the various challenges he faces (not just the ones posed by the Question Master).

Why should you read it? Reading this, you feel a real sense of pride for the national pastime that is University Challenge, but even if you’ve never scored a single point when watching the show (seriously, who has?) Starter is still an incredibly entertaining read. 

2) The Art of Fielding (Chad Harbach)

The_Art_of_Fielding

Image via Back Bay Books

What’s it about? A deliciously all-American affair about a college baseball player destined for big-league stardom; we follow Henry Skrimshander through his first year at Westish College on Lake Michigan, where an incident involving a wayward throw threatens both his self-confidence and his future career.

Why should you read it? This character-driven story opens our eyes to the complex world of college friendships as bonds form and deteriorate over and over again. 

3) The Secret History (Donna Tartt)

The_Secret_History

What’s it about? Protagonist Richard Papen quickly becomes charmed by an elite group of five students, all Greek scholars, when he first arrives at Hampden College, Vermont. Seduced by their worldly, self assured behaviour, he’s drawn (perhaps a little too far) into their inner-circle, and uncovers some secrets the scholars thought were ancient history...

Why should you read it? A very dark take on the campus novel, this is an exciting read which hopefully won’t be a reflection of your time at uni! 

4) The Rules of Attraction (Brett Easton Ellis)

The_Rules_of_Attraction

Image via Picador USA

What’s it about? A whirlwind of everything 80s American, Rules invites us into the drink, drug and sex-fuelled lives of three students at a fictional college in New Hampshire. Morality and modesty go out the window as this dark and funny book leads the reader along an increasingly winding, crooked path.

Why should you read it? Ellis’ book doesn’t let up and is almost a caricature of student life, so it’s pretty fun to see if you can spot people you know reflected in some of the characters. 

5) Changing Places (David Lodge)

Changing_Places

Image via Penguin Books

What’s it about? This novel’s all about a six-month academic exchange of lecturers between two fictional unis (which are pretty much based on UC Berkley, California, and the University of Birmingham ). A witty look at two different styles of campus living on both sides of the pond, Lodge’s send-up of academic life and those living it will keep you entertained no matter where in the world you’re studying.

Why should you read it? If you’re finding that life on campus is getting you down and you need a bit of comic relief, Changing Places will cheer you up and get you picturing your own lecturers flung into ridiculous scenarios. 

6) Brideshead Revisited ( Evelyn Waugh )

Brideshead Revisited

What’s it about? Set before the Second World War, Waugh’s classic novel tells the story of Charles Ryder and his infatuation with the fast-changing world of one aristocratic family. The opening part of the novel is set at Oxford University , where Charles studies History (and where he meets the younger son of the family, Lord Sebastian Flyte).          

Why should you read it? This book has received a lot of praise over the years, getting into top 100 lists all over the shop. It’s one that requires a bit of concentration, but it's worth it.

7) Zuleika Dobson (Max Beerbohm)

Zuleika Dobson

What’s it about? Another surreal offering on this list, Beerbohm’s story follows the romantic escapades of conjurer Zuleika Dobson, who causes chaos after entering the all-male domain of Judas College, Oxford.

Why should you read it? The story immerses you in an odd little bubble of Edwardian Oxford; it’s another classic (albeit less well known) novel on our list.

8) Porterhouse Blue (Tom Sharpe)

Porterhouse_Blue

 Image via Pan Books

What’s it about? Sharpe’s novel takes place in Cambridge University and takes a sly look at the tug-of-war between reform and tradition, when a college master is the first in over 500 years to fail to name a successor on his deathbed. The book takes its slightly disturbing name from the college master’s condition – a stroke induced by overindulging in the college’s legendary cuisine.

Why should you read it? A brilliant look at some the pomposity of old-school academics, this laugh-out-loud novel will keep you looking at your uni experience with fresh eyes.  

9) This Side of Paradise (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

This_Side_of_Paradise

Image via Sribner

What’s it about? This semiautobiographical novel explores the idea of love becoming twisted by greed. The story revolves around handsome and self-assured Princeton University student, Amory Blaine (whom many see as being based on Fitzgerald himself).

Why should you read it? This Side of Paradise makes for an interesting insight into Fitzgerald’s own time at university. Another classy novel from the 20s which throws you into a grand world of academia.

10) Disgrace (J.M. Coetzee)

Disgrace

Image via Disgrace

What’s it about? Set in a technical university in Cape Town, Disgrace sees the life of an English professor fall apart after he forcibly seduces a student. One of the more serious novels on the list, Coetzee’s book is more an exploration of violence than of university life.

Why should you read it? If you want something a bit weightier, Disgrace will certainly be a change of pace from the more light-hearted novels on this list.  

11) The Unseen Academicals (Terry Pratchett)

Unseen Academicals

Image via Doubleday

What’s it about? An utterly bonkers tale from Pratchett (would you expect anything less?) about the un-athletic wizards of The Unseen University, who are forced to put together a football team or face a depleted food budget.

Why should you read it? Unseen Academicals gives readers an escape from the reality of coursework and a window into a much more magical academic world, inhabited by some pretty outlandish characters. 

12) Norwegian Wood (Haruki Murakami)

Norweigan Wood

Image via Vintage Books

What’s it about? Set in Tokyo in the late 60s, Norweigan Wood is a poignant tale of love and loss set against a turbulent backdrop of student protests and civil unrest. At the centre of the story is a love triangle between main character Toru, his outgoing classmate Midori, and Toru’s damaged childhood friend Naoko.  

Why should you read it? Although it’s not the cheeriest novel in the world, Norweigan Wood is a great read (it’s widely regarded as one of Murakami’s best). It also offers an interesting window into what the life of a Japanese student would have been like nearly 50 years ago. 

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Penguin Random House

Essential Books To Read Before College

by Sonya Matejko

So, you are headed to college; congratulations! As you enter this transformational phase of your life, prepare as much as you can, but don’t forget to leave room for spontaneity. Absorb advice, but be curious to find your own way of doing things. Consider broad perspectives, but be open to developing your own. Embrace diverse experiences, but be brave enough to live your own.  Read what you can about building a community, being better with money, and, ultimately, succeeding in higher education. However, instead of using these books as your answers, consider them your conversation starters over the next few years. Your journey starts here! 

How to Be a (Young) Antiracist Book Cover Picture

How to Be a (Young) Antiracist

By ibram x. kendi and nic stone, paperback $14.99, buy from other retailers:.

Glimmer of Hope Book Cover Picture

Glimmer of Hope

By the march for our lives founders, hardcover $18.00.

Am I There Yet? Book Cover Picture

Am I There Yet?

By mari andrew, hardcover $19.99.

Find Your People Book Cover Picture

Find Your People

By jennie allen, paperback $18.00.

Big Magic Book Cover Picture

by Elizabeth Gilbert

Congratulations, by the way Book Cover Picture

Congratulations, by the way

By george saunders, hardcover $15.00.

The Gifts of Imperfection: 10th Anniversary Edition Book Cover Picture

The Gifts of Imperfection: 10th Anniversary Edition

By brené brown, hardcover $25.00.

Get Good with Money Book Cover Picture

Get Good with Money

By tiffany the budgetnista aliche, hardcover $24.00.

How to Win at College Book Cover Picture

How to Win at College

By cal newport, paperback $17.00.

How I Paid for College Book Cover Picture

How I Paid for College

By marc acito, paperback $13.00.

We Should All Be Feminists Book Cover Picture

We Should All Be Feminists

By chimamanda ngozi adichie, paperback $10.00.

Dear Martin Book Cover Picture

Dear Martin

By nic stone, paperback $12.99.

She Said Book Cover Picture

by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey

The 1619 Project Book Cover Picture

The 1619 Project

Nikole hannah-jones and the new york times magazine, hardcover $38.00.

Good Arguments Book Cover Picture

Good Arguments

Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes Book Cover Picture

Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes

Nora shalaway carpenter and rocky callen, paperback $16.99.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Book Cover Picture

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

By gabrielle zevin, hardcover $28.00.

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19 great books for recent college grads that'll guide them through their next chapter

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

As college graduates ready themselves for the next chapter in their lives, books can provide insightful advice and research-driven tips on how to best move forward. Whether they're starting their first job or fellowship, paying the brunt of their own expenses for the first time, or unsure of what they want to do next, there are countless people who have been in their shoes before and have some wisdom to impart. 

Below, we rounded up some of the best books to gift recent college grads, from relatable memoirs, straightforward financial guides, and self-help books on everything from forming healthy habits to finding one's ideal career path. And if you want to pair a book with another gift, be sure to check out our guides to the best college graduation gifts . 

The 19 best books to gift college graduates in 2022:

"congratulations, by the way: some thoughts on kindness" by george saunders.

university level books to read

"Congratulations, By the Way," available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $12.99

Best for: The grad who wants a short, inspirational read

Adapted from author George Saunders' commencement address at Syracuse University (where he teaches writing), this book is essentially a short, incredibly well-written speech that can be finished in one sitting. As a bonus, the core theme isn't about common graduation topics like career goals or perseverance, but about something even more important: kindness and empathy for others.

"Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

university level books to read

"Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $18.92

Best for: The grad who has no idea what they want to do for a career

Written by two faculty members of Stanford University's Design Program, this book uses design thinking to help the reader break down what they love to do and forge a life path that balances work with everything else. It's particularly great for grads who feel uncertain about what they want to do in their career and can help them discover new possibilities.

You can read our review of the "Designing Your Life" online course on the same topic here .

"Speak: How to Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be" by Tunde Oyeneyin

university level books to read

"Speak: How to Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $18.21

Best for: The grad who wants to grow into themselves more

Written by popular Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin, this memoir doubles as a self-help book that teaches readers how to live a life with purpose. Oyeneyin chronicles her journey to figuring out what she wanted to do in life and how to pursue her dreams to live her most authentic life, leaving readers with a framework to do the same.

"The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—and How to Make the Most of Them Now" by Meg Jay, PhD

university level books to read

"The Defining Decade," available at Bookshop and Amazon , from $7.98

Best for: The grad who feels nervous about their 20s

From graduating college to finding that first job or relationship, one's 20s pack a lot of change in a short amount of time. Weaving stories of hundreds of 20-something clients and students, Meg Jay's book is full of advice on how to navigate all these new developments to set oneself up for success later in life.

"Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear

university level books to read

"Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones," available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.98

Best for: The grad who wants to self-improve by doesn't know where to start

Whether your graduate wants to be better organized or stop procrastinating as much, this bestselling book offers clear, tangible tips on how to build tiny, approachable habits that snowball into larger, life-changing ones down the road.

"Untamed" by Glennon Doyle

university level books to read

"Untamed," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.99

Best for: The grad on the precipice of some exciting-but-scary changes

  This bestselling memoir reads more like a self-help book, offering lots of encouragement in being true to one's authentic self and most honest desires. It can especially be helpful to a graduate with big changes looming ahead, such as a cross-country move or a career path switch.

You can read our review of "Untamed" here .

"Get Good with Money: 10 Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole" By Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista)

university level books to read

"Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole," available at Bookshop and Amazon , from $14.71

Best for: The grad who needs to learn how to budget

Whether your grad is dealing with student loan debt or difficulty finding work, they're sure to find meaningful advice from Tiffany Aliche, who dealt with the aftermath of the 2008 recession and a shady advisor who put her into a huge financial hole. Written in a straightforward way, this book offers simple, tangible ways for young graduates to save money, pay off debt, and plan for a financially secure life.

"Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As if Your Life Depended on it" by Chris Voss

university level books to read

"Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As if Your Life Depended on it," available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $17.99

Best for: The grad who will have to negotiate their salary soon

Written by a former FBI hostage negotiator, this book offers fascinating tips on how to negotiate everything from a raise at work to a compromise with a family member. It can especially be useful to grads going into fields where persuasion will be a big part of their job, such as law, politics, or non-profit work.  

You can read our review of Chirs Voss's MasterClass on the same topic here .

"Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain

university level books to read

"Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.89

Best for: The grad who's self-conscious about being an introvert

As "Quiet" explores, much of American culture rewards those who are extroverted and talkative, which can make it difficult for more introverted people to feel like they can stand out. Written as part-memoir, part-self-help, this book offers inspiring anecdotes and tips on how to channel one's quiet side, instead of feeling forced to change it.

You can read our full review of "Quiet" here .

"Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar" by Cheryl Strayed

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"Tiny Beautiful Things," available at Bookshop and Amazon , from $13.38

Best for: The grad who doesn't just want career advice

Cheryl Strayed, author of the bestselling memoir " Wild, " also worked for years as the writer of a column called "Dear Sugar," where she offered advice to strangers by being incredibly vulnerable and honest about her own life experiences. This book is a collection of some of her best columns, tackling topics from grief and cheating lovers to pursuing your wildest dreams.

"The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters" by Priya Parker

university level books to read

"The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.49

Best for: The grad moving away from all their friends

The nice thing about college is how easy socializing is when you all live in the same dorm or apartment, have school-organized events to attend, and generally live by similar schedules. As we get older, making new friends (or hanging with existing ones) can get more challenging. This book teaches simple but mind-blowing tips on how to make gatherings more meaningful and bonding, from sending out an event invite to deciding who to invite.

You can read our review of "The Art of Gathering" here .

"I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi

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"I Will Teach You to Be Rich," available at  Bookshop and Amazon , from $12.87

Best for: The grad already interested in building their savings

This book gives grads some good news: they can spend all they want on lattes, so long as they still have money to invest and grow over time. It's a straightforward guide to building a robust savings account, and one of our personal favorite books to recommend (especially to those new to managing their money).

"What You're Really Meant to Do: A Road Map For Reaching Your Unique Potential" by Robert Steven Kaplan

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"What You're Really Meant to Do," available at Bookshop and Amazon , from $14.39

Best for: The grad who doesn't know what to do next

In this book, Robert Steven Kaplan, a leadership expert and bestselling author, shares specific exercises and advice on how one can know themselves more deeply, from figuring out their true passions to setting goals to reaching them.

"What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self" edited by Ellyn Spragins

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"What I Know Now," available at Amazon , $12.77

Best for: The grad who wants all the advice they can get

If you don't want to commit to one book by one author, this anthology features letters from 41 famous women to their past selves, with writers ranging from Madeleine Albright to Maya Angelou. Beyond offering invaluable advice, it's also just a fascinating glimpse into these iconic women's lives.

"Ask a Manager: How to Navigate Clueless Colleagues, Lunch-Stealing Bosses, and the Rest of Your Life At Work" by Alison Green

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"Ask a Manager," available at Bookshop and Amazon , from $14.40

Best for: The grad who already has a difficult job

Alison Green, an internet-famous work advice columnist , is known for giving empathetic, straightforward, and honest career advice, whether you have an annoying coworker or have no idea how to ask for a raise. If your grad already has a job (or is struggling with the interview process), this book can serve as a guide through all stages of their work life.

"Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...and Maybe the World" by Admiral William H. McRaven

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"Make Your Bed," available at Bookshop and Amazon , $11.94

Best for: The grad who wants some simple, straightforward life advice

Based on a commencement speech that Admiral William H. McRaven gave to the University of Texas, Austin in 2014, this book covers his career as a Navy Seal and what it taught him about which habits and outlooks make the most impact. It's a book that offers honest, direct tips on how to live a more successful life, no matter what you do for a living.

"The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life" by Edith Eva Eger

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"The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life," available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.37

Best for: The grad who's gone through a rough patch lately

Recently updated to reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, this book shares the story of Edith Eva Eger, a world-renowned psychologist and Holocaust survivor who argues that the only thing worse than living in a concentration camp was feeling imprisoned by her own fear, guilt, and anger. The core lesson of the book teaches readers that while we can't control our experiences, we can always change our perspectives.

"Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant

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"Option B," available at Bookshop and Amazon , from $13.67

Best for: The grad who wants to be more resilient

When Sheryl Sandberg's husband suddenly died, she worried she'd never feel joy again. She worked on this book with her friend Adam Grant, a Wharton psychologist — together, they share tips on how to build resilience even in the most trying times. It's a skill every graduate needs, whether they're facing big changes or even just dreading big changes in the future.

"The Beautiful Chaos of Growing Up" by Ari Satok

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"The Beautiful Chaos of Growing Up," available at Amazon , $14.99

Best for: The grad who loves poetry

"The Beautiful Chaos of Growing Up" is a beautiful poetry collection about young adulthood. it covers everything from college friendships and graduation to all the firsts of adulthood: first romances, first jobs, first apartments — all helping a recent grad get excited about what's to come next.

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  • Main content

10 Books to Read Before College

From gripping memoirs to page-turning novels, these books can make good summer reading for incoming college students.

Teenage girl reading on hammock

(Getty Images) |

What incoming college students are reading this summer

The summer between graduating from high school and heading off to college can be a great time to relax with a good book before starting the next chapter. In fact, some colleges ask incoming students to do exactly that, assigning the same book across the entire university or within individual majors. Often known as common reading programs, these assigned works are regularly used in freshman -level classes and offer students a chance to come together for an in-depth discussion on a shared text. While some colleges mandate this reading, others merely provide suggestions for students.

Looking for a good book? Check out these selections from university reading programs. These books, some of which are New York Times bestsellers, deal with weighty issues such as political divides, human rights, acceptance of differences and environmental issues.

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All We Can Save

"All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis," curated by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson, is a collection of essays, poetry and art by diverse female artists that addresses climate change. Staking the claim that female voices are often not heard in the conversation, the book highlights dozens of those voices. It's the book of choice for the common reading experience for first-year students at Binghamton University in New York for the 2023-2024 academic year.

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Be Different

"Be Different: My Adventures with Asperger's & My Advice for Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, Families and Teachers," by New York Times bestselling author John Elder Robison, offers a vulnerable look at the author's childhood and young adult years as someone navigating life with autism spectrum disorder. Robison shares his personal stories and lessons he's learned as a way to advocate for neurodivergent and autistic individuals or anyone who feels different. "Be Different" is the common read for incoming students at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

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Braiding Sweetgrass

"Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants" is a collection of essays by Robin Wall Kimmerer that explores the theme of relationships within nature, coupling the author's scientific understanding as a botanist with her outlook as an Indigenous woman. The New York Times bestseller is part of the common reading experience for incoming students at Washington State University for the 2023-2024 year. It was the first book to be used for two years in a row at WSU, and Wall Kimmerer gave a virtual lecture to students and faculty in February 2023. The book is also part of the common reading experience for students at Marist College in New York.

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Brown Girls

"Brown Girls," a debut novel by Daphne Palasi Andeades, follows the lives of several immigrant girls who grow up in Queens, New York, and attempt to make sense of the American culture that surrounds them. In this coming-of-age novel, the girls vow to remain friends for life, but as they get older and life pulls them in different directions, tensions form among them. The story depicts the transition from childhood to adulthood, and explores themes of female friendship and of women of color attempting to find where they fit in with society. All students participating in the first-year seminar at City University New York—Baruch College read "Brown Girls" as part of a common reading experience.

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I Never Thought of It That Way

"I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times," by Mónica Guzmán, examines potential causes for increases in polarizing political discussions in recent years. A journalist and advocate for depolarization, Guzmán suggests using curiosity to learn and understand different perspectives rather than living in an echo chamber. With the hope of opening students to diverse perspectives and commentary on relevant social issues, Elon University in North Carolina assigned "I Never Thought of It That Way" to all first-year students for the 2023-2024 academic year.

university level books to read

Made in China

At 15 years old, Anna Qu reported her parents to the Office of Family and Child Services for what she said were years of neglect and abuse due to forced labor in a Queens, New York, sweatshop and tough conditions at home. At one point, her parents decided to send her to China in hopes of teaching her a lesson. Now estranged from her parents for nearly 20 years, she requests the OFCS report and realizes some key details are wrong. In her adult life working to forge a career of her own, she reflects on what she believes is a false narrative and reconsiders what she believed to be true about her life. In "Made in China: A Memoir of Love and Labor," she unpacks her feelings of abandonment and her experiences with abuse while asking questions about trauma, family dynamics and the meaning of work. It is the assigned common reading book for first-year students at Florida International University .

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Now Is Not the Time to Panic

"Now Is Not the Time to Panic," by New York Times bestselling author Kevin Wilson, follows two teenagers, Frankie Budge and Zeke, who bond over their creative interests and perceived social status as outcasts in Coalfield, Tennessee. The two anonymously create a poster together with a provocative phrase on it that gets reprinted and posted everywhere, sending the town into panic. Years later, Frankie gets a call from a journalist wanting to investigate the Coalfield Panic. This coming-of-age novel is the common read for all incoming students at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee for the 2023-2024 academic year.

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Parable of the Sower

"Parable of the Sower" is a speculative fiction novel set in the early to mid-2020s that follows the life of Lauren Olamina, a 15-year-old California girl who suffers from hyperempathy, where she intensely feels the emotions of those around her. Often compared to other dystopian stories like "1984" and "The Handmaid's Tale," this 1993 novel by Octavia Butler has become particularly relevant in recent years. Water shortages in California, global climate change, economic crises and social chaos permeate the world within these pages, but those in Olamina's wealthy gated community carry on unaware of the perils around them. A New York Times bestseller, the book has been assigned as the campus-wide common reading choice for students at the University of Kansas for the 2023-2024 academic year.

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The Movement Made Us

Journalist David Dennis, Jr., wrote "The Movement Made Us: A Father, a Song, and the Legacy of a Freedom Ride" with contributions from his father, activist David Dennis, Sr. Told through the lens of both the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and the modern Black Lives Matter movement, this memoir offers insight into the experiences of those fighting on the front lines for civil rights. "The Movement Made Us" has been chosen for the common reading program at Davidson College in North Carolina.

university level books to read

The Nature Fix

"The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative" by Florence Williams investigates the personal health benefits of spending time in nature. A contributing editor for Outside Magazine, Williams says she wrote the book to show how "being in nature actually makes us more human" and can inspire happiness and creativity. Surrounded by the Palouse, a picturesque geographic region in the northwestern part of the U.S., and mountains in the distance, the University of Idaho chose the book for its 2023-2024 universitywide common reading experience.

young woman choosing book in bookstore

Summer reads for incoming college students

  • "All We Can Save" by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson
  • "Be Different" by John Elder Robison
  • "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
  • "Brown Girls" by Daphne Palasi Andeades
  • "I Never Thought of It That Way" by Monica Guzman
  • "Made in China" by Amelia Pang
  • "Now Is Not the Time to Panic" by Kevin Wilson
  • "Parable of the Sower" by Octavia Butler
  • "The Movement Made Us" by David Dennis, Jr.
  • "The Nature Fix" by Florence Williams

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10 Books for Every English Degree Reading List

Dec 31, 2018

First and foremost you should try to follow your interests. If there’s a particular author whose work you admire, try and find out whether they’ve written anything else – for example, if you enjoyed Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles, you could read Far from the Madding Crowd or a selection of Hardy’s poetry. If you’re more interested in the themes the author tackles, look for books which have similar subject matter – if, for example, you liked Virginia Woolf’s presentation of women and mental illness in Mrs Dalloway, you could go on to read Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper. Obviously, you don’t have to just stick to the sorts of books you’d cover in class, but it’s always good to read a few, as the ‘classics’ had a huge influence on later writers.

Another thing to take into account when reading for an English degree is the breadth of literature you’re covering. Tutors will be impressed if you’re ambitious so it’s good to show that you’ve read a mixture of poetry, prose and drama. They also like it if you can demonstrate that you’ve read books from the nineteenth century and earlier, as this proves that you’re really willing to stretch yourself. Getting used to old-fashioned language at this stage is always a bonus – studying older books later as part of your degree will feel like a breeze!

Table of Contents

1. Beowulf (c. 700-1000) – Anonymous

This epic poem was originally written in Old English (a language which you may have the option to study as part of your university course) but Seamus Heaney has written an up-to-date translation. Full of feasts, gory battles, warriors and monsters, it’s one of the original inspirations for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Beowolf - classic books for your English degree reading list

The Image of the Black in Western Art

We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For

Black History Month Books

The Age of Scientific Wellness

In Case You Missed It—11 Books Worth Another Look

A Guess at the Riddle

Philosophy Books

Healthy Buildings

Reading Resolutions

France on Trial

Best Books of the Year

The Sentinel State

China: Politics, Economics, and History

The Letters of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson Poems, Letters, Books, and Archive

Visions of Inequality

Understanding Inequality

Lessons from Plants

The First-Year Experience

Euthyphro. Apology. Crito. Phaedo

Loeb Philosophical Essentials

Sufi Lyrics

Essential Murty Classics

       

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The 8 Best Psychology Books for Students

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

university level books to read

Cara Lustik is a fact-checker and copywriter.

university level books to read

  • What to Look For

If you are interested in learning more about the science of the mind and behavior, there are plenty of great psychology books to help you get started. What are some of the best books for psychology students to read?

While your psychology classes already have required reading lists, there are a number of great psychology books that can supplement your studies. From guides to help you succeed in school to reviews of the ​ history of psychology , the following books are some of the best choices for psychology students interested in boosting their grades and deepening their knowledge of psychology. Even if you are just a casual student of the subject, these psychology books can offer insights into the field and its history.

Here are the best psychology books for students.

Pioneers of Psychology by Raymond E. Fancher & Alexandra Rutherford

Anyone who thinks history is boring should definitely read Fancher and Rutherford's engaging look at the history of psychology, from its philosophical beginnings to the modern day.

As this text proves, psychology books devoted to the history of the field need not be dry or dull. The book offers a very human view of some of the great thinkers that have influenced psychology, including Descartes, Locke, Darwin, Freud, and Skinner.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

When it comes to psychology books, there are a few texts that you should absolutely purchase. The APA style manual is a must-have for any psychology student. Get this book early on in your academic career and keep it on hand to consult as you write research papers, literature reviews, lab report , and other writing assignments.

How to Think Straight About Psychology by Keith E. Stanovich

Keith E. Stanovich's How to Think Straight About Psychology serves as a nice complement to any research methods course.

Learn more about critical thinking skills and how to identify pseudoscience. Explore other topics in psychology as well such as experimental control, correlational studies, and experimental studies.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

This book from neurologist Oliver Sacks is a great read for both psychology students and a general interest audience. The author explores clinical stories of patients who suffer from neurological disorders, offering an engaging and thoughtful look at neurological problems.

While some psychology books are targeted at an audience with an extensive background in the topic, this book can be easily enjoyed by anyone new to psychology.

The Psychology Major's Handbook by Tara L. Kuther

Tara L. Kuther offers some excellent tips for students in this handy psychology book.

Learn about some of the many reasons to major in psychology, find great tips for academic success and learn more about some of the careers available to psychology majors.

Career Paths in Psychology by Robert Sternberg

Have you ever wondered exactly what you can do with a psychology degree? Psychology is a broad and diverse subject, so there is considerable variation in the type of careers that psychology students can pursue.

This comprehensive overview from psychologist Robert Sternberg offers an excellent look at some of the career options available to students as well as professionals who are considering a career change. Explore some of your choices and think about how you can achieve your academic goals.

Getting In by the American Psychological Association

If you are thinking of studying psychology at the graduate level, then this guide from the American Psychological Association is a must-have for your growing collection of psychology books.

Each step of the admission process is broken down into easy-to-follow segments, and hand timetables make it simple to track your progress.

Cracking the GRE Psychology Subject Test by The Princeton Review

In order to get into a psychology graduate program, you will most likely need to take the GRE subject test in psychology.

Prepare yourself for the test with this test prep book , which offers a quick review aimed at refreshing your knowledge of various topics within psychology.

What to Look for in a Psychology Book for Students

Up-to-date research.

Used books can be helpful in some contexts. However, psychology is an evolving science with new findings and updated research. If you’re looking for a psychology book to supplement your studies, make sure it’s not outdated.

Trusted Sources

It’s becoming easier to self-publish books either in print or digital formats. As a result, there are more people than ever who are releasing books for public consumption. Some of these people aren’t qualified experts for the disciplines they’re writing about. Research the authors and publishers of psychology books you aren’t familiar with to make sure they’re coming from a trusted source.

Easy to Understand

Many books about health and science are dense and difficult to understand. Luckily, there are many books that break these subjects down for audiences who aren’t as familiar with technical jargon. When you’re choosing psychology books, keep this in mind so that you can easily understand the psychology concepts you wish to learn.

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  1. 26 Books That Are on US College Reading Lists in 2021

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    Whether you are planning on becoming an English Lit Major or you were one in college, these are the books that you should and need to read. flag All Votes Add Books To This List ← Previous 1 2 3 Next → 289 books · 49 voters · list created November 26th, 2014 by Christine (votes) .

  16. 10 Books to Read Before College

    Years later, Frankie gets a call from a journalist wanting to investigate the Coalfield Panic. This coming-of-age novel is the common read for all incoming students at Vanderbilt University in ...

  17. 10 Books for Every English Degree Reading List

    Still unsure about beginning your own reading list? Here are some good places to start! Table of Contents 1. Beowulf (c. 700-1000) - Anonymous This epic poem was originally written in Old English (a language which you may have the option to study as part of your university course) but Seamus Heaney has written an up-to-date translation.

  18. Getting Ready for College Level Reading

    Consider using some of the following tips to improve your child's reading before they leave for college. Help your child with vocabulary. Let them know they can ask you about new words they encounter. Play word games with them. Have more conversations at home and try to use language that is more complex.

  19. Your Next Great Read

    Reading List. The latest news about our books, interviews with our authors, and essential reading lists and recommendations from our writers and editors.

  20. College Reading List Books

    College Reading List Books Showing 1-50 of 907 Beowulf (Paperback) by. Seamus Heaney (Translator) (shelved 10 times as college-reading-list) avg rating 3.48 — 308,446 ratings — published 1966 Want to Read saving… Want to Read; Currently Reading ...

  21. The 8 Best Psychology Books for Students

    The Psychology Major's Handbook by Tara L. Kuther. Tara L. Kuther offers some excellent tips for students in this handy psychology book. Learn about some of the many reasons to major in psychology, find great tips for academic success and learn more about some of the careers available to psychology majors.

  22. Subjects

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  23. Welcome to Open Library

    Open Library is an open, editable library catalog, building towards a web page for every book ever published. Read, borrow, and discover more than 3M books for free.