As a college student, there’s no doubt that you feel the pressure of succeeding. With all the stuff going on in your life, it’s hard to find time to fit in one more thing…especially reading!
But don’t underestimate the power of books – they can help you manage your day-to-day stressors, teach you valuable lessons, and even help you succeed. So if you’re looking for a good way to spend your free time, why not check out some of these must-read books for college students?
They’ll give you the insight, motivation, and knowledge that you need to kick it into gear! From classic novels to modern memoirs, there’s something here for everyone. So don’t wait – get reading! It’s time to take your college experience to the next level.
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From classic novels to contemporary non-fiction, this list has it all!
These books have been written by highly successful people and contain invaluable wisdom and advice. Not only are they insightful, but their exceptional writing makes them a delightful read + they will equip you with the knowledge needed to thrive in college and beyond.
Related: Successful College Students: 7 Key Traits & Habits
So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to dive in because these must-read books for college students are musts for a reason.
Reading 101: Must-Read books for College Students that’ll make you Smarter… and Successful!
1. How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling – Frank Bettger.
Goodreads Review: How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling
Frank Bettger was a failed insurance salesman at 29, but by 40 he owned a country estate and could have retired. His story of success reveals the secrets behind his success.
In this book, he shares tips, anecdotes, and step-by-step guidelines to help aspiring salespeople develop the style, spirit, and presence of a winning salesperson.
Related: What to Look for When Buying Books: 8 Amazing Tips
Bettger covers topics such as the power of enthusiasm, conquering fear, winning confidence, and seven golden rules for closing a sale. This book is crucial for college students who want to pursue a career in sales.
2. The Magic of Thinking Big – David J. Schwartz.
Goodreads Review: The Magic of Thinking Big – David J. Schwartz.
The Magic of Thinking Big will help you to: overcome your fear of failure, think and dream creatively, be more positive about yourself, make your attitudes work for you, turn defeats into successes, use goals to help you grow, and think like a leader.
It will teach you how to use your imagination as a problem-solver, how to organize a plan for making your dreams come true, and how to break through any obstacles that may be in your way.
You don’t have to be incredibly intelligent or talented to achieve success – you just have to learn how to think and act accordingly. This book will show you the secrets!
3. Getting Things Done – David Allen.
Goodreads Review: Getting Things done by David Allen
In Getting Things Done, David Allen brings the key to stress-free performance: clear and organized thoughts. His “do it, delegate it, defer it, drop it” rule is designed to help you get your inbox cleared out and his other advice on planning projects as well as staying focused in changing situations can help maximize productivity.
This is the book to help you make the most of your time and unleash your creative potential. Learn how to overcome confusion and anxiety, and feel fine about leaving certain tasks undone. Get this book and get things done!
4. The Secret – Rhonda Byrne.
Goodreads Review: The Secret – Rhonda Byrne.
In The Secret, you’ll learn how to use its power to positively impact every aspect of your life, including money, health, relationships, and happiness.
It contains wisdom from modern-day teachers who have already used it to achieve great things – defeating disease, becoming wealthy, and achieving the impossible.
Discover how you too can tap into this hidden power and bring joy to every area of your life.
5. The Magic of Believing – Claude M. Bristol
Goodreads Review: The Magic of Believing – Claude M. Bristol
This book will provide college students with the knowledge to improve their lives. Written by a successful businessman, it outlines how thinking positively and believing in yourself can manifest into success and accomplishments.
Learn how you can increase your income, buy a new home, get a better job, have a happier marriage, or just sleep better through hard work and putting your subconscious into action.
This must-read for college students will help you get the life you want!
6. Think Big – Donald Trump
Goodreads Review: Think Big by Donald Trump
One of the most successful men in business history gives his secrets to personal achievement and business success.
“I love you, but sign this!” Discover why contracts are essential in business and personal life.
Learn from inspiring stories of people who’ve applied Donald Trump’s “Think BIG” formula and achieved success despite the odds. Co-authored by Bill Zanker, an entrepreneur mentored directly by Trump, Think BIG and Kick Ass teaches how to develop a winning attitude in all aspects of life.
7. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership – John C Maxwell.
Goodreads Review: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership – John C Maxwell
John C. Maxwell’s “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” offers college students a wealth of knowledge, gained from years of experience and insights into the worlds of business, sports, politics, religion, and military conflict.
This book provides invaluable lessons on how to become better leaders – A must-read for college students looking to improve their lives.
With Maxwell’s witty and entertaining teaching style, it’s easy to digest complex topics and apply them to our own situations.
8. How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie.
Goodreads Review: How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
In this book, Dale Carnegie shows you how to master new and difficult situations; how to win people to your way of thinking; how to break through opposition; how to change people without giving offense or arousing resentment. Master these skills and you’ll be on your way to college success!
9. Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill.
Goodreads Review: Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is a timeless classic that’s been helping people achieve success since 1937. It offers an inspirational philosophy of positive thinking, along with steps for transforming thoughts into riches, such as visualization, affirmation, creating a Master Mind group, and setting clear goals. This book can be an invaluable guide for college students looking to take control of their future.
Simply said, It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to unlock the power of thinking and set themselves up for success. With Hill’s insights, you can change your life and create the wealth you want. So if you’re looking to make an impact, start reading Think and Grow Rich!
10. The Richest Man in Babylon – George S. Clason.
Goodreads Review: The Richest Man in Babylon – George S. Clason
“The Richest Man in Babylon” is an ancient Babylonian tale that provides invaluable financial lessons. The author draws on the moral values of the ancient, yet flourishing civilization of Babylon to present the financial principles that can guide us toward true prosperity and abundant living today.
Learn how to make your money work for you with this timeless classic. It’s one of the best-selling finance books ever, and now it can be yours to help you acquire wealth, save it, and invest it. Get ready to make your money work for you!
11. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey.
Goodreads Review: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey
Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is an essential read for college students looking to become more successful. This acclaimed book explains how centering and focusing on seven principles can help build better relationships both professionally and personally.
Not only does it offer a unique perspective, but also provides plenty of useful advice to help you grow. It’s an invaluable read for any student looking to better themselves!
If you’re a college student who wants to up their game and makes the most of their university experience, then “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is a must-read.
This classic from Stephen Covey outlines seven powerful principles that will help you become more successful in every aspect of life.
It’s packed with wisdom and advice on how to build healthy relationships, as well as invaluable insight into personal growth. A True must-have for any college student looking to get ahead!
12. The Power of Positive Thinking – Norman Vincent Peale.
Goodreads Review: The Power of Positive Thinking – Norman Vincent Peale
This is still one of the best books on positive thinking and personal development today. Norman Vincent Peale wrote this book after being inspired by his own meetings with Dr. Frank Wheelwright, who discussed the inherent power of belief with him and encouraged him to write about it for a mass audience.
The 12 must-read books for college students were written by some of the most successful, inspiring people around.
Despite their diverse backgrounds, these hardworking individuals share one common trait: they know how to make life lessons out of tough experiences! So if you’re looking to become a success story like them, grab one of these books and start absorbing the wisdom! It’ll be worth your time.
It’s never too late to become the person you’ve always wanted to be. All it takes is a little bit of knowledge, a dash of courage, and, of course, one of these 12 must-read books!
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