It seems like just yesterday you were devouring SAT and ACT prep books. Now that you’re done with those less-than-stellar exams (whew), it’s time to trade in those pre-collegiette books for new ones. And we’re not talking about textbooks (well, not yet at least). Believe it or not, there are many college prep books that will make your transition to college much easier. Instead of roaming around your local bookstore or aimlessly flipping through your tablet’s selection, check out our top picks for pre-collegiette reads.
Sure, college has a ton of perks: new friends, crazy experiences, a surge of independence… need we say more? But don’t be fooled, almost collegiettes — heading to school can be nerve-wracking. Declaring a major? Maintaining a decent GPA? The freshman fifteen? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a book guiding you through these times? Well now, you do! Though you’ll learn a ton through experience, reading a freshman guide doesn’t hurt. “I’d say its value lies in its sources; it is comprised of input from college students and recent graduates, on every subject from moving in to choosing your major,” says Sarah Kahwash, a junior at Kenyon College and HC Contributing Writer. You’ll be thankful to have some advice at your disposal when you’re choosing classes!
2. U Chic: The College Girl’s Guide to Everything by Christie Garton ($15)
Confession time: don’t you secretly wish there was a college prep book strictly for girls? You don’t have to worry about pledging a fraternity and “bro-ing out” in college, so why read about it? Thanks to Christie Garton, your wish has been granted. From finding love on your campus to the dangers of over-partying, U Chic is your all-access pass to everything a pre-collegiette should know before heading off to school. Garton even has a chapter called “For the Future Madam President.” If that alone isn’t enough of an incentive to buy this book, we don’t know what is!
3. The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harian Cohen ($15)
Whether it’s a typical case of homesickness or you’re feuding with your roommate, college comes with its own set of problems. Thankfully, Harian Cohen takes these classic issues and addresses them with loads of wit. From moving in to moving out, Cohen gives pre-collegiettes a comical, behind-the-scenes look at college. Once you read this prep book, you’ll feel as if you’ve already been to college (without the experiences, pictures, and collegiette swag to prove it). Let’s just hope you never encounter a naked roommate—fingers crossed!
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4. Been There, Should’ve Done That: 995 Tips for Making the Most of College by Suzette Tyler ($13)
How many times have you heard the following: “College is the best four years of your life.” Whether you heard it from your uncle or that annoying neighbor, they’re right! Not only does this book include tips from college students, but college advisers and professors as well, so it’s perfect for getting social and academic advice. It’s so easy to get caught up in the stress of grades and making new friends that you may forget to embrace every moment. This book will teach you not to sweat the small stuff and how to have the best college experience.
5. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future by Michael J. Fox ($18)
Michael J. Fox shares his own quasi-college experience – he dropped out of high school to pursue an acting career but still fulfilled a plethora of college requirements. How? Read and find out! After seeing how the Back to the Future star followed his dreams, how could you not follow your own when you’re in college? “It’s a book that a lot of people give as graduation presents because it’s a sweet little coming-of-age book,” says Devin MacDonald, a junior at Loyola University of Chicago and HC Contributing Writer.
6. The Great Big Book of How to Study by Ron Fry ($20)
You may roll your eyes at this one. After years of what seemed like endless tests and quizzes, you’re pretty sure know how to study. But between the heavy workload and tough classes, you may want to re-evaluate your study habits before hitting the books this fall! “How to Study isn’t college-specific, but it provides a lot of timeless tips on how to stay organized and be an efficient, effective student,” says Sarah from Kenyon. Once you’re whisked away by the crazy world of college, you’ll understand just how important efficiency and effectiveness are!
7. The Secrets of College Successes (Professor’s Guide) by Lynn F. Jacobs ($16)
This book goes beyond your typical “how to study for that big midterm” advice. With sections about what to do before you head to your alma mater – like how to pick classes and what to do if all your classes are filled up – The Secrets of College Success (Professor’s Guide) is pre-collegiette-approved! Lynn F. Jacobs’s book also gives readers key advice on how to become closer with your professor, like going to office hours and exercising appropriate email etiquette. We know what you’re thinking – we want a copy too!
8. How to Win at College: Surprising Secrets for Success from the Country’s Top Students by Cal Newport ($12)
If the less-than-perfect job market isn’t enough to push you to be the best you can be, your innate drive will. But how can you land on top in a lecture hall filled with competitive classmates? Chances are, most people you encounter at school will be just as smart and motivated as you are. In this book, top college students share effective tips, like never napping and reading the newspaper everyday. With these simple tricks, you’ll be on the road to success. In short, this book brings the term “winning” to a whole new level!
9. 1001 Things Every College Student Needs to Know: (Like Buying Your Books Before Exams Start) by Harry H. Harrison Jr. ($10)
Between the pre-collegiette nerves and adjusting to a new atmosphere, it’s so easy to forget the simplest things. From working in groups to realizing the dangers of plagiarism, this book teaches you everything you need to know in order to succeed in college. Don’t sign this book off as boring just yet, Harry H. Harrison Jr. does include some funny tips! Example? “You need to know instant messaging and term papers are two entirely different forms of writing.” So true!
10. The CollegeHumor Guide to College: Selling Kidneys for Beer Money, Sleeping with Your Professors, Majoring in Communications, and Other Really Good Ideas by the CollegeHumor.com Staff ($15)
After reading all these informative and inspirational books, you’re in need of a laugh-out-loud book. Who better to deliver that than the CollegeHumor team? Yes, one of your favorite funny websites has formed a must-have guide to college. “I liked this book because it’s a relief from the dry sort of self-help and college advising books that high school graduates are used to reading before heading off to college,” says Sarah. While some of the chapters may seem outrageous, like how to cut a keg line, others are totally realistic, like how a college student approaches finals week.
While all these picks provide great tips for handling the big, bad world of college, don’t forget that your own experience won’t always follow the books. Sometimes, you’ll have to handle certain situations your own way. Though these books serve as a fantastic base, it’s up to you to create the collegiette life you so desire.
Happy Reading!