If you’re looking to read some classics this summer, you might be wondering where on earth to start and how you can possibly relate to them in the 21st century. We’ve picked out a selection of our favorites to show you what they can teach you about student life in the modern-day.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
What can you learn from it?
You’re likely to know at least something about Pride and Prejudice, whether this is mainly due to the BBC adaptation starring Colin Firth or if you had to read it in school. Either way the novel is definitely worth another read, as contains some excellent life lessons that are still relevant to student life in the 21st century.
The importance of standing up for what you believe in and trying not to worry so much about what people think of you. Lizzie Bennet always stood up for what she thought was right, even when that meant refusing to conform to society’s expectations of her; "I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me." At uni, take a leaf out of Lizzie Bennett’s book and voice your opinions – perhaps join a society with like-minded people or write for the university newspaper.
Don’t let prejudices cloud your judgment of someone and remember – first impressions are not always right. Both Mr Darcy and Elizabeth have to learn to overcome their prejudice against one another. If you’re starting university this year, remember to get to know someone before you judge them, or you might lose out on a great friendship.
1984 by George Orwell
What can you learn from it?
There have been many articles written that compare Orwell’s 1984 to our present. The novel is scarily accurate in the way that it predicted the end of privacy – today data is collected from all aspects of our life, and social media makes it easier than ever for other people to see our every move. So what lessons can we take in 2019 from this chilling thriller?
Question everything you don’t understand and ask lots of questions. In the world of Orwell’s 1984, questioning the system isn’t an option, and you had to do exactly what the state told you. Luckily for us, this isn’t reality, and questions are generally encouraged (especially at uni) so make sure you ask them! Asking questions will help you learn faster and understand more, especially throughout your degree.
Politics is important and affects every aspect of your life, even if you don’t realize it. Orwell’s novel gives us a terrifying and extreme insight into what could happen if political power falls into the wrong hands. Luckily, today, we get a say in what happens in the government, so make sure you stay on top of what’s happening and vote when the time comes. Staying up to date with current affairs is also likely to help massively with your degree, especially if you take a social science subject such as Economics, International relations, etc.
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme