These days, we rely on social media, search engines and other digital tools to prepare us for every major life change. This is especially true when dealing with the often difficult transition to college.
While virtual resources can be helpful, they don't always provide the depth of information or insight needed at this important time. Hence, the value of old-fashioned books.
From fictional accounts to self-help guides, a variety of publications can ease your mind as you embark on the college journey. Be sure to add the following to your reading list:
Stuff Every College Student Should Know
If you're familiar with the Stuff You Should Know brand, you'll be eager to page through this helpful resource. Like all Stuff You Should Know articles and podcasts, it offers a concise, yet detailed overview of the college experience, complete with advice on roommates, laundry, and choosing the right major. At just 144 pages, it makes for a quick read. Use it to kick off your college reading efforts or as a last-minute guide if you've otherwise neglected to prepare in advance.
The Freshman Survival Guide
This values-based college guide offers a thorough overview of the postsecondary experience, including both the ups and downs of this important transition. Formatted into a series of survival strategies and accompanying explanations, this book makes for an easy read as you prepare for your big entrance on campus.
Be sure to read the updated version, which takes the changing circumstances of college life into account. From mental health to social media, this latest edition will feel relevant to the current nature of the college environment—both physical and digital.
College Hacks
You've read all about the big issues commonly encountered at the start of freshman year, but what about the everyday concerns that cause temporary, but significant stress? Enter College Hacks—a masterpiece by Keith Bradford that provides a variety of tips and tricks to make every aspect of college life easier. You'll learn how to handle everything from timing your naps to eating for better concentration.
The Naked Roommate
You've seen all the conventional advice about college but suspect that there's far more to it than typical guides suggest. If you want to be fully prepared for the broad range of eccentric characters you'll meet and the oddball situations you'll encounter, this should be your go-to resource. Once you've completed this college essential, you'll no longer be fazed by the strangest and most amusing aspects of postsecondary education.
Time Management Secrets For College Students
Often, the greatest struggle in college involves juggling dozens of competing demands: classes, jobs, volunteering, extracurricular activities, friendships and more. With so much on your plate, it's only natural to feel overwhelmed. This book addresses this common concern—and offers a variety of ingenious suggestions that will help you thrive.
Your Brain, Explained: What Neuroscience Reveals About Your Brain and Its Quirks
If you study psychology during college, you'll likely discover many fascinating findings about your brain—but you might be too occupied with preparing for exams or worrying about other classes to actually apply such insights to your everyday life. Get a head start with this fascinating book, which delves into the latest research on neuroscience. You'll learn not only about the general functioning of your gray matter, but also why common problems such as ADHD and insomnia occur and how they can be addressed.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
If you're like most students, you've long assumed that talent and intelligence are crucial to success. According to Angela Duckworth, however, these qualities will only get you so far. In this New York Times bestseller, she explains the value of grit—a blend of passion and perseverance that can help everyday individuals succeed. Although not specifically geared at college students, this important book will help you apply the concept of grit as you strive for the best possible academic and career outcomes.
Before You Go: Following Jesus and Growing in Your Faith After High School
After reading the books highlighted above, you'll gain at least a basic idea of how to tackle concerns such as roommates, relationships, and academics. What about your faith? This vital topic is rarely covered in most college guides, but it's important to address. After all, your faith is bound to evolve during this time of transition.
This resource highlights a variety of ways in which you can grow and apply your faith during this special season of life. It includes letters from freshmen and Q&A sections to help you reflect on several aspects of the college experience.
The Idiot
Don't underestimate the power of fictional accounts of college to help you feel prepared, or, at minimum, to make you feel less alone as you shift to postsecondary life. The Idiot, in particular, captures the unique blend of frustration and optimism that incoming freshmen experience. This fictional account may be based during the 90s, but many of its observations ring true today.
Fangirl
A variety of college-oriented books focus on the difficulties of choosing a major, adjusting to exams or making friends on campus. Few, however, explore evolving family dynamics quite like the novel Fangirl. While this book delves into an array of familiar college situations, its examination of the protagonist's relationships with her sister and father are especially relatable.
A little extra reading could grant you a greater sense of confidence as you get ready to make one of life's most important transitions. Dive into college-oriented books now to ensure that you feel as prepared as possible. You'll thank yourself as you switch from college guides and novels to lecture notes and textbooks.
If you’d like to learn more about professions that enable you to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in your life’s work or want to learn more about a biblically-based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to chat with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your education goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email admissions@geneva.edu.Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Jul 24, 2020
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