I’m big into reading, and since you’re on this page, I’m guessing you like reading at least a little bit as well. This page is an ongoing log of books I find to be awesome or useful.

If you’re looking to create a well-rounded, successful college experience, you can’t go wrong with any of these.

As students, our lives are often consumed by lectures, assignments, and exams. But beyond textbooks and academic papers, there’s a wealth of knowledge in books that can help you succeed not only in your studies but in life. Whether you're looking to improve your study habits, enhance your productivity, or develop a growth mindset, the right books can be a game-changer. Below are some essential books every student should read to boost both academic performance and personal development.

1. "How to Become a Straight-A Student" by Cal Newport

• Why You Should Read It: If you’re struggling with time management or finding it difficult to balance your social life with your academic responsibilities, this book offers practical strategies for becoming a more effective student. Cal Newport, a professor at Georgetown University, outlines the study methods and time management skills that top students use to excel without sacrificing their well-being.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Learn how to prioritize tasks and tackle assignments efficiently.
  • Discover how to study smarter—not harder—by incorporating deep work into your routine.
  • Manage your time better to reduce stress and improve productivity.

2. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey

• Why You Should Read It: While not specifically aimed at students, this classic book on personal development teaches habits that are essential for success in any area of life. As a student, learning Covey’s principles will help you develop the self-discipline, time management, and interpersonal skills that will benefit you in both your academic and personal life.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Focus on what truly matters by prioritizing your tasks.
  • Learn how to set clear goals and maintain a proactive mindset.
  • Build stronger relationships and collaborate more effectively with peers and professors.

3. "Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning" by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel

• Why You Should Read It: If you’re tired of cramming for exams and still feel like you’re not retaining information, this book is for you. Make It Stick provides evidence-based strategies for learning more effectively, drawing from cognitive psychology and neuroscience to explain how memory works and how to improve retention.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Discover the science behind effective learning and memory.
  • Learn how to use spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and active learning techniques.
  • Understand why traditional study habits (like passive reading) are less effective than more active methods.

4. "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World" by Cal Newport

• Why You Should Read It: In today’s digital age, distractions are everywhere, and staying focused can feel like an uphill battle. In Deep Work, Cal Newport emphasizes the importance of working with full concentration, free from distractions. His methods are perfect for students looking to improve their study habits and produce higher-quality work in less time.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Master the ability to focus deeply by eliminating distractions.
  • Understand how cultivating deep work can lead to greater academic success and personal fulfillment.
  • Learn how to schedule your work and study time to maximize productivity.

5. "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear

• Why You Should Read It: The power of small, incremental improvements is at the heart of James Clear’s book. As a student, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by big goals, but Clear explains how making tiny changes in your daily habits can lead to massive success over time. Whether you’re trying to improve your study routine, exercise habits, or time management, this book will provide you with actionable strategies to build habits that stick.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Learn how small habits compound over time to create lasting change.
  • Use the “four laws of behavior change” to build positive habits and break bad ones.
  • Understand how to optimize your environment to encourage better behavior.