Lana Oconnell
Students at the best universities in the UK and US are reading a wide range of books, both in their personal time and as part of their courses. In their personal time, students are reading books about family issues, anxiety, new friendships, mental health, sexuality, study strategies, independence and intellectual inspiration. As part of their courses, students are reading a mix of science, mathematics, literature, social sciences, and general reference books. However, some professors at elite universities have noticed that their students are less prepared for reading than they used to be.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Books read by students at the best universities | A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker, The Elements of Style, A Pocket Style Manual, Moby-Dick, Billy Budd, Benito Cereno, Bartleby, the Scrivener |
| Books recommended for students to read before university | Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas J. McBride, I Am NOT Going to School Today by Robie H. Harris, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, Normal People by Sally Rooney, The Secret Barrister by The Secret Barrister, The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells, The Body by Bill Bryson, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins |
| Factors determining the ranking of universities | Overall score, entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, academic services spend, facilities spend, continuation, student-staff ratio, graduate prospects |
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What You'll Learn
Students at top universities are reading less
This shift in reading habits has led to changes in university curriculum and reading lists. For example, at Columbia University, the Lit Hum curriculum has been trimmed to include shorter works of American prose instead of longer novels like Moby-Dick. While there are benefits to teaching shorter works, such as allowing more time to focus on language intricacies, the change also reflects the decreasing reading abilities of incoming students.
The integration of digital resources and online platforms in academia has also contributed to the shift in reading habits. While these resources offer accessibility and convenience, they have led to a move away from traditional physical books. Additionally, the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OERs) provides freely accessible materials that complement or replace traditional texts.
Despite the trend of reading less, the required reading list for students at top universities remains extensive, especially for those pursuing degrees in philosophy and related fields. The reading lists reflect the university's scholarly climate and are integral to the student's academic training and intellectual growth. However, the shift towards online degree programs and the influence of private schools on the curriculum have also impacted the reading habits of top university students.
While there is no comprehensive data on this trend, the observations of professors and the shift in curriculum indicate that students at top universities are reading less and displaying decreased reading abilities. This trend has prompted discussions on changing the rules of admission to make universities better at assessing potential rather than coaching and polish.
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Recommended books for university students
University students are reading a variety of books, from classic novels to self-help guides, depending on their interests and courses. Here is a list of books that are recommended for university students to help them navigate their academic and personal lives:
- Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas J. McBride is recommended by law students to help develop essential organisational skills and to challenge independent thinking.
- I Am NOT Going to School Today by Robie H. Harris is a comforting read that covers family issues, new friends, mental health, and sexuality.
- A book by Teena Seelig, the executive director of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program, is recommended by a biomedical engineering student. It provides personal stories of people going beyond expectations and challenging the status quo, along with advice on how to reach your potential when transitioning to a new stage in life.
- A book recommended by a medical student at University College London is an easy and fun read that covers family issues, anxiety, and new friendships. It provides a different view on the typical fiction about university and is a must-read for anyone who doesn't fit the stereotypical mould.
In addition to these student recommendations, there are some books that are frequently required reading for students at top US colleges:
- A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker is a popular choice, appearing in more than 10,254 syllabi.
- The Elements of Style
- A Pocket Style Manual
- Other popular books include a mix of science, mathematics, literature, social sciences, and general reference books.
While these books are recommended or required reading for university students, it is worth noting that some professors have observed that students are increasingly struggling with reading and comprehending substantial texts.
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Reading lists for Ivy League schools
The reading lists for students at Ivy League schools can be extensive and challenging. While the specific books assigned may vary depending on the course and the university, several works are often included in the curriculum. Here is an overview of some of the books commonly found on reading lists at Ivy League institutions:
Columbia University
Columbia University's Literature Humanities course, affectionately known as "Lit Hum," has long been a cornerstone of the university's academic programme. Taught by esteemed professors such as Nicholas Dames and Andrew Delbanco, Lit Hum has undergone some changes in recent years to accommodate the evolving needs and skills of students. While the reading list for this course was once extensive, it has been trimmed down to ensure students can engage deeply with the selected works.
Some of the books that have been taught as part of Lit Hum include:
- Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (now often replaced by shorter works by Melville, such as Billy Budd, Benito Cereno, and "Bartleby, the Scrivener").
- A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker, which is a commonly assigned text across various colleges and universities and appears in many syllabi.
Princeton University
Princeton University, another esteemed Ivy League institution, is known for its rigorous academic standards. Anthony Grafton, a historian at Princeton, has noted a decline in vocabulary and language comprehension among incoming students. To address this, Princeton professors often include challenging texts in their reading lists to stretch their students' analytical and critical thinking skills. While specific book assignments may vary depending on the department and course, Princeton students can expect to engage with complex readings that push them beyond their comfort zones.
Other Ivy League Schools
While the reading lists for each Ivy League school can vary, there are some commonalities. The Open Syllabus Project (OSP) has gathered data on the reading lists of top universities, including Ivy League institutions. Here are some additional books that are often included in the curriculum across various Ivy League schools:
- The Elements of Style (appearing in around 9,300 syllabi)
- A Pocket Style Manual (with over 6,400 appearances)
- Works by F. Scott Fitzgerald, such as his collection of short stories
- Advanced books about physics and science, as noted by Eren, a student mentioned in The Guardian
Trends and Challenges
It is important to note that there has been a noted shift in reading skills and abilities among incoming college students, even at elite universities. Students may feel overwhelmed by the extensive reading assignments and struggle to finish multiple books in a semester. This trend is not limited to any specific type of university but is observed across the board, including at Ivy League institutions.
However, it is also worth mentioning that private schools, which are feeders for a significant proportion of elite college students, tend to place more emphasis on reading complete volumes. This can create a disconcerting reading skills gap among incoming freshmen, with some students excelling at decoding complex texts while others struggle with attention spans and the ambition to tackle substantial works.
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The impact of required readings
The required readings at universities reflect the scholarly climate of the institution and the specific focus of the course. For instance, a philosophy degree will likely entail a more extensive reading list than other degrees. The readings are chosen to complement the curriculum and provide a foundation for students to build their knowledge.
However, there is a growing concern among professors that students are arriving at university with a narrower vocabulary and less understanding of language. Some professors attribute this to a shift in the educational landscape, where students are no longer encouraged to read complete volumes, leading to a reading-skills gap. This trend is observed even at highly selective, elite colleges and universities. Students seem overwhelmed by the required readings and struggle to finish multiple books in a semester.
To address this challenge, some universities are incorporating digital resources and online platforms to provide accessible and inclusive education. Additionally, there is a move towards teaching shorter works, allowing more time to focus on language intricacies. This shift enables students to develop their analytical skills without getting overwhelmed by lengthy texts.
Despite these adjustments, required readings remain an integral part of the university experience, especially for students pursuing advanced degrees. Cost-effective reading strategies become crucial, and integrating accessible and contemporary learning materials can help ease the financial burden while providing a diverse educational experience.
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Books to prepare for university
Preparing for university can be a challenging task, and reading is an essential part of that process. Here are some books that can help you get ready for the academic and personal aspects of university life:
- Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas J. McBride - Recommended by law students, this book offers valuable advice and challenges the reader's independent thinking and problem-solving skills. It provides practical guidance on organisational skills and demonstrates the importance of self-motivation for independent learning and research.
- A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker - This book is a popular choice across US colleges and appears in many syllabi. It is a great resource for improving your writing skills and style, which will be essential for producing high-quality academic work.
- The Elements of Style - This book is often paired with "A Writer's Reference" and offers additional insights into refining your writing abilities.
- Books on Personal Growth and Transition - University is a time of significant personal growth and transition. Books like "I Am NOT Going to School Today" by Robie H. Harris and the collection of personal essays by a recent Yale graduate (published after her untimely death) can provide comfort, inspiration, and a different perspective on the university experience.
- Subject-Specific Books - Depending on your chosen field of study, consider reading books related to your major. For example, if you're interested in economics, reading long-form articles or books about the subject can give you a head start. Similarly, if you're into physics, advanced books in that field can enhance your knowledge and make your application stand out.
Remember, the books you choose to read before university should not only help you develop essential skills but also spark your curiosity and excitement for learning. Enjoy exploring new ideas and perspectives as you embark on your academic journey!
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no comprehensive data on this, a survey of syllabi from Ivy League schools reveals that the most read book is A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker, which appeared in more than 10,254 syllabi. Other popular books include The Elements of Style and A Pocket Style Manual.
Students have recommended books that cover a range of topics, including family issues, anxiety, new friendships, mental health, sexuality, study strategies, and independence. Some specific book recommendations include Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas J. McBride and I Am NOT Going to School Today by Robie H. Harris.
The best universities in the UK can vary depending on various factors and personal preferences. The Complete University Guide provides league tables that rank universities based on overall scores, entry standards, student satisfaction, graduate prospects, and more. These rankings can help prospective students choose the right university based on their priorities.
