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In this post we will go through the best books to build good study habits and be successful at university.
There are many reasons for getting into the “power of books” during your studies. However, the most common are:
- building good study habits and a successful student mindset;
- stay motivated to study when going through difficult times at university;
- gaining self-confidence and deal with social anxiety & poor mental health ;
These factors can massively impact your university experience, either positively or negatively. Sometimes, success is not achieved through skills, but via willpower instead!
Best books every university student should read
We will now have a look at the best books aimed at the points above. Consider this list as “books every student should read at university”.
As usual, you will find a link to Amazon UK for each book to check their current price, content, reviews and other info. Please note: you can also get one of these books for free as we will explain later!
1. Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life, by Gary John Bishop
A great book for those who are struggling with confidence, low self-esteem and social anxiety. Ultimately, it’s all related, how can you be successful at university (and in life) with such poor mental health?
If that is you case, “go unfu*k yourself!”
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey
We are constantly surrounded by opportunities and we don’t even notice them. Why? Because we are not mentally prepared for them.
This book is an old school masterpiece that guides towards developing successful habits and taking control of your life at university and beyond.
3. Atomic Habits, by James Clear
This international best seller takes a very practical approach to the topic. Rather than big behavioural changes, it goes through the compound effect of many smaller actions, “atomic habits”.
As university life is made of many different daily moments, this is one of the best books to improve productivity and build successful student habits!
4. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, by Cal Newport
A more recent book here, which guides the reader towards an intense concentration status to increase productivity and effectiveness.
In a world that is getting more and more full of distractions, this book could help you stay focused on your studies.
5. The Power of Discipline: How to Use Self Control and Mental Toughness to Achieve Your Goals, by Daniel Walter
The main argument of this book is quite obvious: self-discipline. It underlines how, without it, talent and skills won’t be enough to achieve your goals.
This is a great book for those who are lacking the mental toughness required to succeed at university.
6. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?, by Dr Julie Smith
This book focuses more on mental health from a professional point of view. It guides the reader to practical therapeutic actions to manage anxiety and build self-confidence.
If you are feeling down for whatever issue life is throwing at you, this book is a great read!
7. Grit, by Angela Duckworth
The name says it all. This book is all about the real power of resilience and perseverance. Everyone has ups and downs at university and in life, but keep going forward is key.
If you are feeling that you are losing your study motivation at university, find your grit!
Best books for university students, get one for free!
As mentioned earlier, you can get one of these books for free, or better say, the audiobook. However, only if you haven’t used this workaround already.
Basically, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial with Audible. When you do it you will receive one “token” that you an use to unlock an audiobook, it is that simple.
You can listen too it as any times as you want during the free trial. All you have to remember is, unless you want to keep it, to cancel your subscription before the free trial ends.
Is Audible worth it at university?
If you are not much of a reader, or simply you don’t have time to add further readings on top of your university workload, then Audible is definitely a great option.
It is quite convenient to listen to audiobooks when commuting or walking around the campus, although it is also great in the evening before sleep time.
Moreover, there is an argument that this sort of books are very powerful and effective when someone talks you through them, just like a professor explaining a lecture.
In any case, the free trial is a no brainer to get. Whichever way you decide, reader or listener, you will enjoy these books!
The best books for student mindset and success at university
Everyone has ups and down in life, and university is not exempt. It is a real challenge, and probably the first meaningful one for most students.
Whether you are looking for ways to build good study habits, a successful student mindset, or simply improve your self-confidence at university, it all comes down to one thing: your determination to achieve your goals.
Thank you for checking out our list of best books for university and best of luck on your studies!
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