The college experience is full of firsts. Whether it be your first time living alone or learning to manage your finances, it can be difficult even to know where to start.
But don't fret—we've got you covered with this helpful guide!
From navigating boundaries with a roommate to cooking nutritious meals, these books will help you ease into the process—while still leaving room for all the adventures college has to offer.
Also included are books for before you even set foot on campus, advising you on topics such as choosing the right school or figuring out the application process. That being said, be prepared, but also be okay with not having all the answers—that's where growth happens.
So here are 8 inspirational books to set you up with the life skills you'll need for college—and beyond.
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2026
Called the "best college guide you can buy" by USA Today, the Fiske Guide to Colleges offers insight into over 320 four-year schools. Updated every year, Fiske includes first-hand accounts from real students, as well as information not found on the college's website.
Honest and to the point, Fiske pulls back the curtains on schools in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain, so that you can make the most informed—and best—choice for you.
The Fiske College Countdown Planner for Students
The countdown to college is on, and Fiske is here to make sure you meet all necessary deadlines.
From when to take the SAT or ACT to beginning applications, the most-trusted brand in the college guide market, offers a road map from 9th grade to senior year, helping you meet all goals to get into your dream school.
College Essay Essentials
With expert guidance and tips from Ethan Sawyer, a renowned college essay advisor, this resource will help you create powerful narratives to capture the attention of admissions officers.
The college admission essay doesn't need to be stressful, and with Sawyer, who unpacks the four types, you will be able to stand out amongst the application pool.
The Last Parenting Book You'll Ever Read
As a parent, you've been through it all with your child—from holding their hand on the first day of school to cheering on the sidelines at every event. It's okay to admit that this next chapter is scary and sad, that your not-so-little one is preparing to leave the nest.
Author Meagan Francis has been there multiple times as a mom of five kids, and she is ready to help ease the transition of having more time to reconnect with yourself.
Money for Adulting
Are you preparing to step into the real world, and only just realizing you don't know how to manage your finances? Don't fret, this practical guide explores everything from saving to investing, helping you to establish financial goals now and into the future.
You'll learn how to be smart with your money, and even some key tips on how to land a job!
Life Skills Book for Teens
Discover how to take on adulthood with confidence in this guide that includes advice on how to manage finances, health, home, and more.
An excellent gift for someone on the verge of adulthood, this resource helps them take on the next stage of life—providing answers to questions they never even thought to ask.
The Naked Roommate
Taking on newfound independence, while sharing a bathroom with 40 strangers, is no small feat. In a behind-the-scenes, often witty guide, Cohen discusses making friends, taking notes, exploring the party scene, and how, above all, to take care of yourself at college.
This truth-first New York Times bestseller tackles all the taboo topics to ease stress, so you can instead focus on all the wonderful experiences to be had!
The How-To Cookbook for Teens
This is a safe space to admit you haven't spent much time in the kitchen. But, with simple recipes and easy instructions, the How-To Cookbook approaches cooking as a necessary skill, while also making it fun!
From exploring the fundamentals, like standard techniques to appliances, to embracing experimentation, this toolkit offers over 100 tasty recipes.
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