How many books have you read that are set at university? Not enough, that’s how many. There’s actually a whole sub-genre (known as the ‘Campus Novel’) that focuses on the lives of both students and professors, ranging from the comic and the bizarre to the more realistic (and even the downright disturbing).
Below are 12 highlights. For each one we’ve included a quick summary of the plot and a bit about why it’s worth a go...
1) Starter for Ten (David Nicholls)
Image via Hodder Paperbacks
What’s it about? Nicholls’ book takes us to an unnamed British uni in the 1980s, where we meet Brian Jackson – a fresher who joins the school’s University Challenge team. We track his journey through first year and the various challenges he faces (not just the ones posed by the Question Master).
Why should you read it? Reading this, you feel a real sense of pride for the national pastime that is University Challenge, but even if you’ve never scored a single point when watching the show (seriously, who has?) Starter is still an incredibly entertaining read.
2) The Art of Fielding (Chad Harbach)
Image via Back Bay Books
What’s it about? A deliciously all-American affair about a college baseball player destined for big-league stardom; we follow Henry Skrimshander through his first year at Westish College on Lake Michigan, where an incident involving a wayward throw threatens both his self-confidence and his future career.
Why should you read it? This character-driven story opens our eyes to the complex world of college friendships as bonds form and deteriorate over and over again.
3) The Secret History (Donna Tartt)
What’s it about? Protagonist Richard Papen quickly becomes charmed by an elite group of five students, all Greek scholars, when he first arrives at Hampden College, Vermont. Seduced by their worldly, self assured behaviour, he’s drawn (perhaps a little too far) into their inner-circle, and uncovers some secrets the scholars thought were ancient history...
Why should you read it? A very dark take on the campus novel, this is an exciting read which hopefully won’t be a reflection of your time at uni!
4) The Rules of Attraction (Brett Easton Ellis)
Image via Picador USA
What’s it about? A whirlwind of everything 80s American, Rules invites us into the drink, drug and sex-fuelled lives of three students at a fictional college in New Hampshire. Morality and modesty go out the window as this dark and funny book leads the reader along an increasingly winding, crooked path.
Why should you read it? Ellis’ book doesn’t let up and is almost a caricature of student life, so it’s pretty fun to see if you can spot people you know reflected in some of the characters.
5) Changing Places (David Lodge)
Image via Penguin Books
What’s it about? This novel’s all about a six-month academic exchange of lecturers between two fictional unis (which are pretty much based on UC Berkley, California, and the University of Birmingham
Why should you read it? If you’re finding that life on campus is getting you down and you need a bit of comic relief, Changing Places will cheer you up and get you picturing your own lecturers flung into ridiculous scenarios.
6) Brideshead Revisited (Evelyn Waugh )
Image via Back Bay Books
What’s it about? Set before the Second World War, Waugh’s classic novel tells the story of Charles Ryder and his infatuation with the fast-changing world of one aristocratic family. The opening part of the novel is set at Oxford University
Why should you read it? This book has received a lot of praise over the years, getting into top 100 lists all over the shop. It’s one that requires a bit of concentration, but it's worth it.
7) Zuleika Dobson (Max Beerbohm)
What’s it about? Another surreal offering on this list, Beerbohm’s story follows the romantic escapades of conjurer Zuleika Dobson, who causes chaos after entering the all-male domain of Judas College, Oxford.
Why should you read it? The story immerses you in an odd little bubble of Edwardian Oxford; it’s another classic (albeit less well known) novel on our list.
8) Porterhouse Blue (Tom Sharpe)
Image via Pan Books
What’s it about? Sharpe’s novel takes place in Cambridge University
Why should you read it? A brilliant look at some the pomposity of old-school academics, this laugh-out-loud novel will keep you looking at your uni experience with fresh eyes.
9) This Side of Paradise (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
Image via Sribner
What’s it about? This semiautobiographical novel explores the idea of love becoming twisted by greed. The story revolves around handsome and self-assured Princeton University student, Amory Blaine (whom many see as being based on Fitzgerald himself).
Why should you read it? This Side of Paradise makes for an interesting insight into Fitzgerald’s own time at university. Another classy novel from the 20s which throws you into a grand world of academia.
10) Disgrace (J.M. Coetzee)
Image via Disgrace
What’s it about? Set in a technical university in Cape Town, Disgrace sees the life of an English professor fall apart after he forcibly seduces a student. One of the more serious novels on the list, Coetzee’s book is more an exploration of violence than of university life.
Why should you read it? If you want something a bit weightier, Disgrace will certainly be a change of pace from the more light-hearted novels on this list.
11) The Unseen Academicals (Terry Pratchett)
Image via Doubleday
What’s it about? An utterly bonkers tale from Pratchett (would you expect anything less?) about the un-athletic wizards of The Unseen University, who are forced to put together a football team or face a depleted food budget.
Why should you read it? Unseen Academicals gives readers an escape from the reality of coursework and a window into a much more magical academic world, inhabited by some pretty outlandish characters.
12) Norwegian Wood (Haruki Murakami)
Image via Vintage Books
What’s it about? Set in Tokyo in the late 60s, Norweigan Wood is a poignant tale of love and loss set against a turbulent backdrop of student protests and civil unrest. At the centre of the story is a love triangle between main character Toru, his outgoing classmate Midori, and Toru’s damaged childhood friend Naoko.
Why should you read it? Although it’s not the cheeriest novel in the world, Norweigan Wood is a great read (it’s widely regarded as one of Murakami’s best). It also offers an interesting window into what the life of a Japanese student would have been like nearly 50 years ago.
Like reading? Why not check out these English Literature degrees ?
