How do I make the most of my reading list? Urgent help please!!

Oxford uni has given me a really long reading list before I start as a fresher in October. I want to read all the books but I know I will definitely forget everything by the time I start. Any advice from Oxford students who have already experienced the fresher reading list, or anyone who has any advice? Anyone know what I should do? Should I write notes or something? All the books are like at least 300 pages and there’s like 20 books. Please help!! For context the books are all for the course psychology. Thank you, please help me urgently!!!!!

Reply 1

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

18

Original post by Anonymous

Oxford uni has given me a really long reading list before I start as a fresher in October. I want to read all the books but I know I will definitely forget everything by the time I start. Any advice from Oxford students who have already experienced the fresher reading list, or anyone who has any advice? Anyone know what I should do? Should I write notes or something? All the books are like at least 300 pages and there’s like 20 books. Please help!! For context the books are all for the course psychology. Thank you, please help me urgently!!!!!

Is it an actual required reading list? May be worth checking to see what's 'recommended' versus actually required. Coming from a Maths student who has read far fewer books than he expected at this point.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by melancollege

Is it an actual required reading list? May be worth checking to see what's 'recommended' versus actually required. Coming from a Maths student who has read far fewer books than he expected at this point.

Well we are meant to read as much as we can of the books they've given us. Any advice?

Reply 3

xyz1234567

9

It would be sensible to take notes on the key ideas so that you don’t just forget it as soon as you have read it. Try to read with an eye to understanding the overall argument rather than getting bogged down in every sentence. This will also get you into good habits as reading and note-taking is a really important skill to develop.

Original post by Anonymous

Oxford uni has given me a really long reading list before I start as a fresher in October. I want to read all the books but I know I will definitely forget everything by the time I start. Any advice from Oxford students who have already experienced the fresher reading list, or anyone who has any advice? Anyone know what I should do? Should I write notes or something? All the books are like at least 300 pages and there’s like 20 books. Please help!! For context the books are all for the course psychology. Thank you, please help me urgently!!!!!

Hey could you pm me please 🙏

Reply 5

mishieru07

12

Original post by Anonymous

Oxford uni has given me a really long reading list before I start as a fresher in October. I want to read all the books but I know I will definitely forget everything by the time I start. Any advice from Oxford students who have already experienced the fresher reading list, or anyone who has any advice? Anyone know what I should do? Should I write notes or something? All the books are like at least 300 pages and there’s like 20 books. Please help!! For context the books are all for the course psychology. Thank you, please help me urgently!!!!!

Don't know about psychology, but I gave up pretty quickly on my summer reading list for Law - don't think I even finished 25%. In retrospect, I probably wouldn't have bothered with any of the summer readings period - it wasn't that useful and I honestly think students are better off enjoying their summer and coming to Oxford feeling rested and ready to tackle Michaelmas term. But YMMV.