In my opinion, the course someone chooses to study is a significant insight into their inner workings and personality. A fair warning that your perspective on life will be altered if you do decide to read the recommended books.
- Philosophy or Psychology:
If you chose to do these degrees, you probably don’t understand who you are and what life is about. Does religion exist, does reason exist, do I even really exist? You probably think about the meaning of life, emotions and humanity regularly while walking home from lectures.
You thought that by studying psychology you could understand the inner workings of your emotions and brain, and figure out what you want in life. Or you thought that by studying philosophy, you could convince yourself that there is a greater power out there that controls everything, so nothing is really your fault. These three books will do a perfect job in making you stare at your wall for three hours contemplating the reason behind people’s actions. Is it nature, is it nurture, is it a higher power controlling us? I guess we’ll never know…
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
This epic novel tells the intertwined stories of two families in California’s Salinas Valley, exploring themes of free will, morality, and generational trauma. Steinbeck dives deep into the human psyche, asking whether we’re doomed to repeat the sins of our ancestors.
White Nights by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
A dreamy, bittersweet novella about a lonely man who spends his nights wandering the streets of St. Petersburg. He meets and falls in love with a woman whose heart belongs to someone else. A haunting exploration of loneliness, hope, and heartbreak.
The Outsider by Albert Camus
A classic of existentialism, this novel follows Meursault, an emotionally detached man who commits a murder and struggles to fit into a society that demands meaning and morality. It’s a meditation on the absurdity of life and the isolation of living without societal conventions.
- Economics, Finance or Business:
You are a soulless corporate entity who dreams of a 9-5 on the highest floor of some dreary office in Canary Wharf, typing away on a Lenovo ThinkPad in your Ralph Lauren quarter zip. If you woke up one day and found that you turned into a giant bug overnight, your first thought would be worrying about your job and how you will still be able to contribute to society. This is why I think the following books, especially the first one, are essential for you: release yourself from the shackles of corporate life before you lose your soul to Microsoft spreadsheets and after-work drinks with colleagues you’ve seen for 45 hours that week.
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to discover he’s been transformed into a giant insect. This absurd yet poignant novella explores alienation, family duty, and the crushing weight of societal expectations.
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
This satirical thriller follows Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street investment banker who hides a psychopathic alter ego behind his polished corporate persona. A chilling critique of consumerism, greed, and surface-level appearances.
Rogue by Mona Awad
A sharp, satirical novel about a young woman navigating the ruthless beauty industry. It’s a darkly funny exploration of ambition, consumerism, and identity in a world obsessed with perfection.
- Law, Politics or International Relations:
You are either the most arrogant, pretentious person ever who loves the sound of their own voice, or you are the kindest person who wants to stop corruption and has a strong sense of fairness and justice.
No matter what side of the fence you’re on, there are two things about you I know for sure: you are the therapist friend of the group AND your friends probably hand you their phone whenever they’re arguing with someone over text. You’ll enjoy reading something thought-provoking that makes you think critically about society and want to defend the character.
Post Traumatic by Chantal V. Johnson
This novel follows Vivian, a young lawyer who grapples with trauma and healing while navigating the complexities of her personal and professional life. It’s a raw and insightful look at resilience, identity, and justice.
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Set in a dystopian future, this novel follows Alex, a violent delinquent whose psyche is forcibly reprogrammed by the state. It’s a provocative exploration of free will, morality, and the ethics of punishment.
The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (a classic that never gets old)
Katniss Everdeen becomes the reluctant symbol of rebellion in a dystopian society where the government forces children to fight to the death for entertainment. A gripping critique of power, inequality, and survival.
- Medicine, Bio-Med, Chemistry or Biology:
You probably have not read a novel in years. Whenever you try reading a novel, all you can imagine is the cellular makeup of the paper and ink. Someone speaks to you and instead of listening to their words, you are listing the scientifically correct terms of the muscles and nerves of the throat in your head.
The right side of your brain is begging you for stimulation. Hopefully reading these books will help. I chose short novels because I know your reading attention span is probably fried. You’re welcome.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Victor Frankenstein, an ambitious scientist, creates life in his laboratory but abandons his monstrous creation. This gothic tale examines ambition, ethics, and the consequences of playing God.
Rest and Be Thankful by Emma Glass
This lyrical novella follows Laura, a nurse struggling with exhaustion and the emotional toll of her profession. It’s a haunting portrayal of burnout, compassion, and human fragility.
The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy, battles addiction, isolation, and the male-dominated world of competitive chess. A brilliant exploration of genius, obsession, and the cost of greatness.
- Environmental Science, Geography or Ecology:
You close your ‘there is no Planet B’, ‘stop fast fashion’ and ‘save the turtles’ stickers-covered laptop and shrug on your vintage Nike windbreaker you got scammed for on Depop. With an oat milk matcha latte in your hand and an indie music soundtrack blaring through your headphones, you begin the long, cold walk home; wistfully reminiscing about your summer spent backpacking through Bali where you learned to live life authentically and appreciate the beauty of nature. You walk past Waterstones and decide to go in as you’ve been meaning to start reading for fun again. These are the novels you should go for:
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
An epic, semi-autobiographical novel about an Australian fugitive who starts anew in the slums of Mumbai. It’s about finding beauty in chaos, building community, and the power of resilience. Perfect for someone who loves big adventures and reflection.
The Overstory by Richard Powers
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel weaves together the stories of disparate characters who are all connected by their relationship to trees. It’s a moving exploration of humanity’s impact on nature and the importance of environmental activism.
The Beach by Alex Garland
A cult classic about a young backpacker in Thailand who discovers a hidden utopia. But paradise quickly turns dark as the dream of escape reveals its flaws. It’s thrilling, introspective, and captures the highs and lows of the wanderlust lifestyle.
- English Literature, History, Classics or Art History:
All those years of being the ‘gifted kid’ because you were reading novels for ages 15-16 at 9 years old has given you an insufferable god complex. You walk around campus in a long trench coat pretending you are one of the characters from The Secret History, and believe you are the smartest person in every room you bless with your superior intelligence. You are a sucker for a beautiful Penguins Classic cover.
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Seven Shakespeare-obsessed students at an elite arts college get caught up in a murder. This suspenseful novel explores the dangers of ambition, friendship, and the blurred line between performance and reality.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Anne Elliot reconnects with her former fiancé, Captain Wentworth, after being persuaded to reject him years earlier. This classic explores regret, second chances, and social constraints with Austen’s trademark wit and romance.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
After surviving a terrorist attack, Theo Decker clings to a stolen painting that shapes his life in unexpected ways. A sprawling, emotional journey about art, loss, and identity.
- Film and TV, Marketing or Journalism:
You are probably the coolest girl on campus and love a good party. Having a good gossip session with your friends brings you undeniable happiness and you have this borderline unhealthy urge to know everyone and anyone’s business at all times. Your main hobby is keeping your Letterboxd account up to date by writing witty but insightful reviews.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Set in the glamorous world of 1940s New York City: the novel is written in the format of the main character, Vivian Morris, writing a letter to a woman named Angela about her life looking back as an old woman. That is, her life starting from arriving to New York City at 19 years old in 1940. It follows the journey of the young woman as she discovers love, independence, and the power of female friendship.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
A memoir of love, friendship, and growing up. Dolly Alderton reflects on her 20s with humour and honesty, offering insight into modern relationships and the messiness of life.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Set in New York City in 2000 and 2001; this novel follows an unnamed protagonist as she gradually escalates her use of prescription medications in an attempt to sleep for an entire year.
- Computer Science, Maths, Physics or Engineering: I’d happily recommend some books, but why waste my time as you’ll probably not read it.
Happy reading everyone!