7 books to read before your first year of college

7 books to read before your first year of college

 

The transition from high school to college is an exciting time. But let’s face it, it can be a little overwhelming too! For many college-bound students, this might be the first time you’ll be living on your own for an extended period. You’ll be more responsible for your day-to-day life, without any supervision or input from parents or guardians. This probably sounds amazing, and it is! But with this newfound freedom comes more responsibility.

To help you with first-year preparation, the Marymount team has compiled a list of the top seven books you should read. Not all of these books are academic — you’ll have plenty of time for that when you start classes in the fall. Instead, take the time to read and prepare for the practical stuff that’ll put you a few steps ahead of your peers when you arrive on campus. After you read these books, you’ll have a better idea of how to:

  • Organize your time efficiently
  • Be deliberate and thoughtful in the new friendships you make
  • Be financially smart
  • Understand and achieve success

Ready to get reading? Without further ado, here’s the list of the top seven books you should read before your first year of college.

The Freshman Survival Guide: Soulful Advice for Studying, Socializing and Everything In Between (by Nora Bradbury-Haehl & Bill McGarvey)

Books: The Freshman Survival Guide: Soulful Advice for Studying, Socializing and Everything In Between

This book is a guide targeted at incoming first-year students who need help navigating that first critical year of college. It offers practical tools that new college students need to keep from drinking, sleeping or skipping their way out of college. This book also helps students to cope with the spiritual, emotional and ethical questions that come with the first year of college.

Getting from College to Career (by Lindsey Pollak)

Books: Getting from College to Career

Pollak’s book is an insightful world guide for college students and recent graduates who are preparing to embark upon a career beyond university walls. Newly revised to reflect the most recent changes in the economy and job market, this book’s aim is to give college students a head start on succeeding in a marketplace that is more competitive than ever.

Eat that Frog! 21 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time (by Brian Tracy)

Books: Eat that Frog! 21 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

Brian Tracy’s bestselling book helps you organize your day and teaches you how to be more productive from the get-go. When you’re in college, you’re going to be juggling a lot of commitments. Classes, clubs, organizations, work, social events — they all pile up. This book will give you the practical pointers you need to get the most important things done each day so that you don’t feel so overwhelmed with college life.

Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time (by Keith Ferrazzi)

Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time

Keith Ferrazzi is a networking genius. He understands the power of human relationships and how to build a network of authentic friendships. Whether you intend to major in business or microbiology, you’re going to be meeting new people who will be studying the same subjects as you. And every organization you join gives you a chance to make meaningful connections with people who share similar interests. Reading this book will help you see that the friendships you make in college, with your peers and professors, should be fostered and cultivated because these relationships will prove helpful throughout life.

The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke (by Suze Orman)

The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke

In this book, Orman explains why you can never be too young to have a financial plan. Chances are you’ll be taking out student loans for college, have your own credit or debit card and manage more expenses when you’re away at school. This book will help you tackle your financial responsibilities and prepare you for a life of financial stability. While some of the advice in here pertains to post-college life, you’ll also gain a great understanding of finances to help in your gradual transition to financial independence from your parents.

Outliers: The Story of Success (by Malcolm Gladwell)

Outliers: The Story of Success

Ever wonder what makes a successful person successful? This book explains the reasons behind what drives the best and brightest to achieve success. Learn what Bill Gates, Mozart and the Beatles had in common. And find out the secrets of great soccer players and software billionaires. Gladwell will open your mind and inspire you with his discoveries. And who knows? Perhaps you may be the next outlier after finishing this book.

 

There are so many other great books to prepare you for the transition to college. Don’t forget to make the most of your last semester in high school by reading through this list, and recommend these and other books that may help to prepare you for your transition to college to your friends and peers.