University is one of the most challenging milestones of adult life. It’s one of the first challenges you’ll have. It’s exciting to move away from home, meet new people and pursue your interests. But it can be lonely and daunting too. To best prepare yourself for starting a brand new (and humungous) chapter in your life, here are some of the books you should read before you fly the nest.
The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories by Marina Keegan
A series of prose to help you navigate through figuring out what you want to be. You may have a lot of questions when you get to university. Do I really want to do this degree? Have I made the right decision? What do I want to do after university? This book will help you figure it all out. Keegan, a Yale graduate who tragically passed away, had the exact same questions as many of us. Her work will help you understand how you can use your time at university to make an impact on the world. And, like the title suggests, will make you feel a lot less lonely during your time at university.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Ok, so it’s very unlikely your university experience will be anything like this friendship group’s, but it’s still a great read. This book is the dark academia aesthetic of your dreams. A group of friends who bond over Greek literature eventually find their academic lives taking a dark turn. It’s spooky and kind of weird, perfect for autumn term at university. The message to be taken from this book is that, no matter what your interests are, there will be a friendship group for you!
Student Hacks: Tips and Tricks to Make University Life Easier by Dan Marshall
A no-brainer of a book really! Starting a new life at university can mean hangovers from hell, no money and too much work. But luckily, Dan Marshall is here to help! If you need tips on how to make that student loan stretch a bit further, or how to get stains out of furniture, this book is for you! You don’t want to go into university without this knowledge. This book is essential.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Anybody who has seen the show will know that university has a big impact on Connell and Marian. This book is a great one to read if you’re struggling with meeting/losing new/old friends. Rooney’s story is a testament to the fact that you will always have people in your life who matter throughout your university life. Change can be scary, but it’s also a good thing too. Normal People will show you that you don’t need to be afraid for university and meeting new people. You will always have meaningful connections wherever you are.
Reading can be a great source of comfort when you’re experiencing change in your life. So embrace the next steps into adulthood with these books!