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The summer is upon us. Well not officially, but if you’re currently in college your semester is coming to an end and your summer break is days away.

At UniversityDecisions.com, we congratulate you on completing your current course load and are here to encourage you to continue your education during the break. That’s why we developed a suggested summer reading list for college students. Whether you’re currently in college, preparing to enter college or thinking about going to college, our summer reading list can help you get ahead of the game.

The list we’ve compiled is meant to help you explore the unknown and is put together in no certain order. Take your time and read a couple of these books during the summer. Then keep the list, and read another book over winter break. Sometimes it’s nice to read something other than a text book!

• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert M. Pirsig
• Dubliners – James Joyce
• On the Road – Jack Kerouac
• A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes – Stephen Hawking
• One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez
• Plato Complete Works – Plato
• Atlas Shrugged – Ayn Rand
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
• Middlesex – Jeffrey Eugenides
• Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoyevsky

What are YOU planning to read this summer?

For traditional college students, spring break can unfortunately translate into a week of sunshine… and a slew of inappropriate behavior. But for many adult learners, spring break is a far cry from all-night parties and beachside bashes. For full-time, working adult students, the spring time tradition is a week to catch up on home life, work and family. However, the time off shouldn’t be all about chores, organization and getting things done. Take advantage of the break, enjoy yourself! Here are some ways to live up spring break without a hangover.

Volunteer – With the devastation left by the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan, fundraising, cleanup and rescue efforts by organizations like the Red Cross have beefed up. During this time of need, the Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations supporting Japan relief efforts certainly need volunteers. Do something that makes you feel good about yourself and helps other – volunteer. For human service majors, you may even be able to use the experience towards school credit or projects.

Cook – You don’t have to be a culinary student to enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes. Use your time off to explore the culinary arts and try that new dish you’ve been meaning to make.

Create – Got an interest in art and design? Use your spring break to paint a picture, design a new outfit or sculpt a new pot. Creating something can help provide relaxation and help take your mind off of life’s stresses.

Read – Just because you’re on a break from school, doesn’t mean you have to close your books completely. Pick up that novel you’ve been meaning to read or spend the day perusing your local bookstore or library. Spring break is the perfect time to get lost in your favorite author’s latest novel.

Relax – Most importantly, kick off your shoes and put up your feet. At the very least, take an hour or two each day to relax. It’s important to use some of spring break to rest up and prepare for the rest of the semester.