Here are the five books you must read before heading to the university

• Preparing for university is much more than just academics.
  
• Business Insider collates interesting books to read, giving an outlook on career and professional growth, setbacks and opportunities. This week, we bring books for students who are set to enter a new chapter of their lives — university.
  
• Here are a few books that you must read before heading to the university.

After board exams are over, it is time to transition to a new phase. And preparing for university is much more than just academics.

Business Insider collates interesting books to read, giving an outlook on career and professional growth, setbacks and opportunities. This week, we bring books for students who are set to enter a new chapter of their lives — university.

Studies show that reading a book for merely six minutes can reduce stress by over half as it releases tension in the muscles. From learning practices and career choices to discussions around sexuality and abuse, these books are must on the list.

Here are a few books that you must read before heading to university.

The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis

Set in a liberal arts college Camden, in England, The Rules of Attraction is a romance novel. A story of three students — young, spoilt, taking drugs over studies — who eventually fall into the trap of a ‘romantic triangle’. The book takes us through the journey of how newfound freedoms take over in college.

The book starts abruptly in the middle of a sentence on page 13 — that’s how it is supposed to be.

Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas J. McBride

As the name suggests, the book is an elaboration of the path of an aspiring lawyer in the form of letters to a student. It also talks about the issues at the university. In fact, it is even helpful for non-law students teaching organisational skills, problem solving and being independent.

“Responses are revealed at the end of the book with detailed explanations as to why the answer is X, not Y. It’s an entertaining read as the language is adapted to a young adult reader, and it departs from otherwise fancy vocabulary associated with adult advice,” said a student review in Times Higher Education.

Unbecoming by Jenny Downham

Unbecoming is a story of three women and their secrets. The book takes through the journey of a teenager Katie, her mother and grandmother, celebrating life and explaining to value your own story.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Life of Pi, which is also a movie now, is the story of ‘Pi’, an Indian boy who is stranded in the Pacific Ocean with nobody other than the wild creatures like zebra, chimpanzee and tiger. The book talks about standing against all odds and tackling it with courage and grit.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird talks about inequalities and racial discrimination.

Tom Robinson is charged with the rape of a girl, who is the narrator of the story. He is suffering because of a sin he hasn’t committed. The story explores the irrational behaviour of adults, revealing hoe life’s unfairness sometimes — to people with a different skin colour. And the best part is that the story is seen through the eyes of two young children.

How to win at college by Cal Newport

Cal Newport's How to Win at College is a great read for college success — that goes beyond grades. The book jots down 75 tips for a remarkable foundation and not just idle words, to make the most of college years.

And, it also suggests dropping classes every semester!