CL’s Guide to Reading for Fun while in School

If you’re like me and love to read (I did start my own book blog after all), then you may be a little concerned about not having any time for it once the semester starts again. School books will dominate your shelves in no time and you’ll have textbooks to read for exams that always seem to occur too quickly. Don’t worry, you can still fit reading for pleasure into your busy schedule!

1. Read as a reward. When you get a good grade on an exam, reward yourself by purchasing one of the books you have been eyeing up lately. Remember you don’t have to shell out a lot of money to get a great book. Check out stores like Half Price Books or even thrift stores.

My to-be-read shelf of books that keeps on growing.

2. Read to unwind. Most of us know that if we have a standard routine before bed, we will most likely sleep better. Why not make reading part of that nightly practice? Even if you only read one-two chapters a night before bed, you will be finished with a book before you know it.
3. Read to escape. Overwhelmed with everything that is happening this semester? Grab a book and let your mind wander for a bit. When you read a book, you can enter a whole new world. You can go on an adventure with Harry, Ron and Hermione or you can fall in love alongside Sookie and Eric (not Bill ). When you come back to the real world, your mind will be a little bit clearer.

Photo by Kaitlyn Kline.

4. Read as a group. Why don’t you set up a book club with people on your floor or in your apartment complex? It would be a great way to get to know people and make reading fun! You can meet every other week or once a month–whatever works with your schedule. Pick books that either you all own or can check out from the library. Talk about your likes and dislikes and things you wish you could change about the book.

Always remember to take a little bit of “me” time during the school year. If you’re too stressed, you won’t accomplish anything to your full potential. What books are you looking forward to this fall? Check out some from this summer that you may have missed and don’t forget, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins comes out August 24th! Leave us a comment down below or tweet at us (@collegelifestyl) to let us know what books are on your list!

Kaitlyn Kline is an intern with College Lifestyles. She is an Edinboro University of PA and Alpha Sigma Tau alum as well as a current grad student at Point Park University. She has already read 50 books this year!