Last Updated on January 2, 2025 by Alexandra Markin
College is often one of our most pivotal periods in life: a time of self-discovery, growth, and preparation for our future. But I know from experience that balancing life and school can be overwhelming. That’s when books save the day, and it’s why I’ve put together this list of my top 5 books every college student should read.
The right book can open your mind, spark inspiration, and can change the trajectory of your life in a way you didn’t know existed.
These titles are not just entertaining, but transformative. They will help you develop new perspectives, build essential life skills, and inspire you to make the most of life before, during and after college.
Ready to discover your must-read list for 2025? Read on!
5 Life-Changing Books Every College Student Should Read
1. Atomic Habits
Bad habits like not taking care of ourselves by eating and exercising regularly or procrastinating study until right before an exam take a toll on our health and happiness.
In Atomic Habits by James Clear, learn how to get 1% better every day, and how important it is to set up an conducive study environment.
Build good habits and break bad ones in both your life and studies so you can reach your full potential.
2. Talent Is Overrated
By learning the secret of deliberate practice, and not by way of natural talent, anyone can achieve extraordinary achievement, in the book Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin.
Deliberate practice, although it took me hours, was how I got an A+ in my hardest subject: statistics.
So if you don’t think you’re smart enough to pursue the degree or those high grades you really want, think again.
Stop struggling with negative thoughts that you aren't smart enough to pursue any career you want. This book will show you how anyone can achieve whatever they want by mastering deliberate practice.
3. The Psychology of Money
After you read The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, you’ll know that most real-world financial decisions aren’t made on spreadsheets – they’re made at the dinner table and in meeting rooms.
Learn why that is, and how you can leverage those tactics for yourself.
Make and keep more money this year by learning how to manage your money emotions around personal finance, investing and business decisions.
4. The Mountain Is You
If you struggle with procrastination, self-doubt or fear of failure, The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest provides actionable advice on identifying and overcoming these tendencies.
Learn how to better manage your time and stay motivated in your studies while building healthier habits.
Transform your self-sabotaging behaviours into self-mastery to achieve anything you put your mind to.
5. The Diary of A CEO
Not just for business students, the 33 laws in The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett will change your mindset on the way you approach college, life and work.
Law 5 teaches us to “lean in” to new ideas and technology, even if we don’t completely understand them.
As an older student, I came from the more traditional era of studying with pens and paper, but I’ve now embraced using an iPad for studying to utilize the the power of technology to help me finish my degree faster, smarter and more organized.
Not just about business, the laws in this book will change the way you approach life, college and work to become the most successful version of yourself.
What to After You’ve Read These Books
Reading self-improvement books means little if you don’t put your new knowledge into action. Not only can the concepts from these books be applied to life, but to your study habits as well.
So use the Pomodoro Technique today when you sit down to study and build that self-discipline every student needs to be successful.
If you found this post helpful, sign up for my email list below and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest to join our online student community – you don’t have to go through your study journey alone!
What did you think of these books? I love book talk, so share your thoughts below and let’s discuss!
