As an English major, I always have a huge amount of books I want to read on my own time. Despite my love for reading, it can be hard to balance reading for fun alongside my required readings for class. With that said, here are some tips I’ve developed to read more on my own time during the school year. 

Always carry a book with you

When you’re waiting for your classes to start, you can always read if you carry your current read with you! You’ll be surprised how much progress you can make when you choose to read instead of getting distracted by your phone while during your wait on campus. It’s also great to read during small breaks you might have in between classes or meetings. So, next time you leave the house don’t forget the book you’ve been wanting to read.

Read books according to the season

Something that really speeds up my reading progress is reading genres that match with the season or holiday coming up. Since Halloween is approaching I would naturally gravitate towards horror novels, thrillers or novels perfect for fall. Or during Christmas, pick up a novel that has a more cozy vibe set around the holidays! By reading novels that fit the vibe of the season you’re in, you can generally feel more immersed in the setting of the book. Simultaneously, you’ll get through it faster. 

Choose books you enjoy reading 

This tip may seem like a no-brainer to some. However, as Berkeley students the pressure to be well-versed in all genres of literature may be overwhelming. You shouldn’t feel forced to read any genre you dislike just to impress others. Ultimately, you should be reading books in your free time that you enjoy. 

If you try to force yourself to read a book you aren’t enjoying, you probably won’t finish it quickly. This doesn’t mean that you should never go out of your comfort zone; rather, if things get too tough don’t feel pressured to finish every book you start! 

Listen to audiobooks

When you’re in a reading slump, try listening to an audiobook instead! If you commute to campus, listening to an audiobook while traveling is a great way to make a dent in your to-read list without having to carry your books with you. Audiobooks are also great to listen to when you are doing chores or anything that doesn’t require much focus. So, next time you are heading over to class turn on the audiobook for your current read! 

Read a book with a friend

If you find yourself not reading as much as you’d like, the best way to spice things up is to read a book with a friend. Once you choose the book you both want to read together, decide a certain page amount and a time frame. You can even set up a time to meet with one another to talk about the book and have a small book club, too! It’s a great way to keep each other accountable and connect with friends who also have a passion for reading! 

While we all have required readings for our courses, our to-be-read list doesn’t have to be as bland. With these tips, we hope you get even closer to finishing the books on your to-be-read list!