Becoming a Bookworm
When we hear the word “reading” as college students we typically think of an analysis of Beowulf or an essay over the Iliad. As busy students, we often forget that reading isn’t bound to a list of required reading housed in a syllabus. Reading for fun is such a great way to refresh your brain, take some time away from demanding screens, and allow yourself to relax. If you haven’t picked up a book by your own volition since junior high, it can be hard to know where to start or if you even want to. Below are some ways to help you become a bookworm this spring!
How to Read on a College Budget
College is expensive and reading books shouldn’t feel like a burden or add more stress. As students and members of the Auburn community there are many ways to read on a college student’s budget.
Check out the Library: We often forget that the place we go to study houses hundreds of books at our disposal that we can check out at any time. This is a great way to access books completely free of charge.
Used book stores: Used book stores are a wonderful way to read at a discounted price. Sometimes it can be hard to find storefronts, so online used bookstores are a great alternative. Thrift Books and Better World Books are two great websites that offer used books at discounted prices.
Take part in a Book Swap: Get a group of friends together that also enjoy reading and swap books! It seems like an obvious opportunity, but it really is such a great way to read more for free.
Book Stores in Auburn
Well Read: everyone’s favorite coffee shop also doubles as a bookstore! Both locations, Well Read & Second Story, house books for purchase along with their delicious coffee and pastries.
Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers: Located conveniently right downtown, Auburn Oil Co. is one of the most community based bookshops in the Auburn/Opelika area. With abundant selections available, fun events, and blind book dates. This is a great place to go if you’re looking for an interactive experience!
Books-A-Million: With lower prices and the largest selection in the area, Books-A-Million is a great place to go if you’re new to reading. This one is my personal favorite :)
Tracking your Reading
If you’re like me, half the fun of reading is getting to track the books you’ve read. There is no better feeling than closing the cover of a good book and updating your tracking system. Here are a few options for book tracking!
Good Reads: The most common way to track your progress and total books read is on the app Good Reads. Available in the app store, Good Reads is the perfect way to rate and keep count of how many books you’ve read. From the opportunity to interact with friends to creating a “to be read” list, Good Reads has so many interactive features to enhance your experience as a reader.
Start a Journal: Journaling is such an exciting way to keep up with the books you're reading! It offers a more private route to writing reviews and rating the books you’ve read, and you add your own personal style as well. On top of that, journaling is also a great stress reliever and the perfect study break.
Make a playlist: My favorite thing I’ve done is creating a playlist to keep track of my reading. Everytime I finish a book, I add a song that reminds me of it to a private playlist. Although not the most effective, it’s such a fun way to keep reading interesting and to motivate yourself.
The Hardest Part: Finding Time
Reading is truly beneficial to us as students, but because of our prior and foremost commitment to school, it can be hard to find time to read throughout the day. Here are a few tips to make reading a more concrete part of your schedule.
Try to read for 20 minutes a day: We all get busy with assignments, extracurriculars, and friends, but setting aside just 15-20 minutes a day to focus on reading creates a great habit. Reading every day, even just for a little, is a fantastic way to fit it into your busy schedule.
Reach for a book before bed: Oftentimes we like to be on our phones or computers before bed, making it much harder for us to fall asleep. Instead of reaching for your phone, reach for your book instead. I guarantee you’ll go to bed much easier, and it creates a pocket of time for you to read.
Listen to Audio Books: Sometimes the only time we have to ourselves is driving or walking from one activity or class to another. Audio Books are a wonderful way to fill this time in a way that still allows you to get your daily reading in. Audio Books can be found almost anywhere that books can as well as on Amazon, Audible, and Spotify.
Reading is such a refreshing way to spend your free time especially throughout the spring and summer months. Although it can be daunting to start, reading is a great stress reliever, mode of entertainment, and a great way to expand your imagination and knowledge!
