When I was in high school, I read all the time. My bedroom was overflowing with as many books as I could get my hands on, and I couldn’t check out books fast enough from the school library! Since I had a lot more free time, I was able to devote a lot of my time to reading books for pleasure. Once I got to college, however, that changed really quickly. I had so many other things on plate that I felt like it was simply too hard to find the time to read. On top of that, I barely had enough time to read the required readings and textbooks for my classes.
As a senior, I’ve really missed reading, so I’ve made a conscious effort to start reading books for fun again. If you’re also a collegiette who doesn’t read for fun as much as you’d like to, here are some tips to become an avid reader while juggling a busy college life!
Listen to audiobooks
Audiobooks are an absolutely amazing way for college students to read on the go! Whether you download them onto your phone, rent them from the library, or use an app, there are plenty of ways to get access to audiobooks. Audible is a subscription service that gives you a certain number of titles each month. Or, you can even find some audiobooks on Spotify! However you get your audiobooks, this makes it possible to listen to a good book while walking around campus, riding on the bus, and any time in between.
Read e-books
E-books are another option that make it easy to read on the go. Download an e-book app like Kindle on your laptop or tablet for an option that’s cheap and accessible. Plus, you don’t have to worry about lugging around another heavy thing in your backpack!
Read in between classes
I’ve found that I actually have a surprising amount of time between classes, so this is a great time to read. Try keeping a book in your backpack to crack open if your class gets out early or you have a few minutes before lecture starts.
Read on the bus
If you take the bus to get around campus, this is a perfect time to put your nose in a good book. Instead of pulling out your phone or looking out the window, put the time spent on the bus to good use…it really adds up!
Read before going to bed
Because using technology before bed can negatively impact your sleep, I’ve found that it’s really relaxing to read during this time instead of watching TV or being on my phone. Turning off your devices before going to bed gives you some built-in reading time and also helps you sleep better.
Take advantage of the campus libraries
Did you know that the University of Illinois has the largest public university research library in the United States? That being said, there is a pretty much endless supply of books and audiobooks that you have access to for free as a student. Simply browse the shelves in person to find a good read, or look on the University Library website. Don’t let this resource go to waste!
Cover Photo | Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3 | Photo 4