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The last summer before a college is always fun. But, at the same time, it is a very responsible stage for every student as it requires some decent college preparation and self-education.

As a rule, during the summer before their freshman year, college bound students are getting everything ready for the next stage of their life, moving out from their homes, and try to improve their knowledge before the start of the semester. Thus, such transition from school to college can be a bit challenging.

How To Cope With The Difficulties?

The easiest and probably most pleasant way to get ready for your freshman year is to read a few good inspirational books. In this article, we have gathered the top ten best books that will help you get ready for the first semester and survive your freshman year without problems!

How will these books help you? After reading these outstanding masterpieces recommended by us, you will learn how to:

  • Become more organized and manage your time efficiently;
  • Understand people, communicate, and make new friends thoughtfully;
  • Organize your budget and use it wisely;
  • Set goals, reach them, and succeed.

What Are The Good Books To Read Before College?

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

This book is quite popular not only among the college bounds but for elder people as well because it actually gives you lots of useful information and tips. This bestseller can teach you to make your workflows more productive. We all understand that the first year in college will be full of difficulties and thus, it is important to learn about the practical steps, described here, to get your tasks done faster.

  • The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke written by Suze Orman

Does the term «financially smart» still sound like fiction to you? Then this piece is a perfect choice for you! On its pages, you can learn about the practical tips to manage all of your expenses in a wiser and most efficient way to become more mature and financially responsible.

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

Are you nervous about your first year at a new place? This book is your guide to setting social relationships, studying, and other activities. After reading it, you will be able to avoid conflicts and overcome the possible issues and critical situations in the new environment.

  • A Short History of Nearly Everything written by Bill Bryson

This is a must-read! The author’s style of delivering the information is clear and fun. Besides, it gives a good knowledge base on some of the most important moments in the science and history that will come in handy for each student.

  • Brave New World written by Aldous Huxley

The novel shows the possible future of our society and world, and it will be not only useful but also quite interesting to read. It reflects some interesting ideas about the modern world.

  • To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee

This book is classic but not that it is good to read it together with another piece of writing created by this author – Go Set a Watchman. Both of them will once come up in the course of obtaining an education and thus, reading them now means that you will be ready for the discussion.

  • The Elements of Style written by Strunk and White

This is a writing guide. Some may wonder how it can be helpful. However, there is no way to avoid paper writing in college because numerous written works make the biggest part of your grades for each semester and that is why it is a good start for gaining the necessary skills.

  • I Am Malala written by Malala Yousafzai

A few years ago we all were astonished by the story of this brave girl who has become a real hero for many girls all over the world and reading her story in details will not hurt!

  • Americans’ Favorite Poems written

Not many like poetry. Unfortunately, many young people don’t appreciate the art of poetry, but this collection of the greatest poems will give you some awesome ideas for essays, help to have some fun while reading, and even contribute to improving your vocabulary!

  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks written by Rebecca Skloot

The story of a great and devoted scientist is the last point in our list, but it is certainly worth spending a few days reading it! This book tells us a story of a beautiful woman. Don’t miss a chance to find out how the dedication and sacrifice of one person had helped to reach such significant for the whole humanity discoveries!


Walter Hurley is a blogger and freelance writer for Edubirdie.com. He adores writing helpful tips for students. He writes about different topics in such spheres as e-learning, content marketing, blogging, self-development and freelance.


All views and opinions of guest authors are theirs alone and are not representative of the views of Petersons.com or its parent company Nelnet.

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