Student's top book recommendations

Posted 6 days ago

Find a nook and chill with a good book!

Whether you're after gripping fiction, inspiring non-fiction, or books that just make uni life a little easier, we’ve got something for every kind of student. Here’s our top booklist - a mix of modern must-reads and timeless classics to keep you thinking, entertained, and maybe even ahead on your coursework...

For the deep thinkers & philosophy lovers πŸ§ πŸ“–

  • Meditations β€“ Marcus Aurelius: This ancient Roman self-help book is packed with wisdom on resilience, self-discipline, and dealing with life’s challenges. Perfect for navigating uni stress.
  • The Midnight Library – Matt Haig: A thought-provoking novel about second chances and the infinite possibilities of life, blending fiction with a deep dive into mental health and personal growth.

For the bookworms who just love a great story πŸ“–βœ¨

  • The Secret History – Donna Tartt: A dark academia classic set in a university, filled with mystery, murder, and some very pretentious students.
  • Circe – Madeline Miller: A beautifully written mythological retelling about a powerful, independent woman (ideal if you love fantasy and history).
  • Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow – Gabrielle Zevin: A heartfelt novel about friendship, creativity, and gaming, perfect if you're looking for something modern and relatable.

For the social sciences & politics buffs πŸ›οΈπŸ“š

  • Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race – Reni Eddo-Lodge: A must-read on race, history, and systemic inequalities in the UK, sparking important conversations.
  • Prisoners of Geography – Tim Marshall: If you’ve ever wondered how geography shapes world politics, this is a fascinating and accessible read.

For business & economics students πŸ’ΌπŸ“Š

  • Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman: Essential reading on how we make decisions, written by a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist (great for business, psychology, and marketing students).
  • The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel: A super readable book about why people make bad financial choices and how to handle money wisely (because student loans don’t last forever)!

For science & tech enthusiasts πŸ”¬πŸš€

  • Brief Answers to the Big Questions – Stephen Hawking: Want to understand black holes, time travel, or the future of humanity? This book makes big science questions easy to grasp.
  • The Gene: An Intimate History – Siddhartha Mukherjee: A fascinating and emotional look into the history of genetics, medicine, and human identity.

If you need a bit of motivation πŸ’‘πŸ“š

  • Atomic Habits – James Clear: If you struggle with procrastination, this book gives practical tips to improve your habits and productivity.
  • The Comfort Book – Matt Haig: A gentle, uplifting book full of life advice and encouragement. Perfect for when uni stress gets a bit much.

No matter what you study or how busy you are, there’s always time for a good book. Whether you’re into deep philosophical reads, binge-worthy fiction, or books that make you think about the world differently, this list has something for you.

So why not pick one up, find a cosy spot, and escape with a good story πŸ“šβœ¨