Cal State Chico Student Urges Peers to Read More

Bea Williams shares tips for making time to read for pleasure during the busy school year.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Bea Williams, a journalism major at Cal State Chico, writes about the importance of reading for pleasure, even during the busy school year. She acknowledges that between classes, work, and other commitments, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to pick up a book. However, Williams offers several suggestions, such as reading for just 10 minutes a day, reading before bed, starting a book club with a friend, and using reading apps to stay motivated and on track.

Why it matters

Reading for pleasure has many benefits, including reducing stress, improving focus and concentration, and expanding one's knowledge and imagination. However, college students often struggle to make time for leisure reading amidst their academic workloads. This article provides practical tips to help students prioritize reading for enjoyment during the school year.

The details

Williams explains that during the summer months, she loves to read romance novels while relaxing on the beach. But once the school year starts, she finds herself too exhausted from her daily commitments to pick up a book, opting instead for mindless activities like scrolling on TikTok or watching reality TV. As a journalism major, she also has a significant amount of required reading for her classes, which can make finding time for pleasure reading even more challenging. Despite these obstacles, Williams encourages her peers to make reading a priority, even if it's just for 10 minutes a day.

  • The article was published on February 11, 2026.

The players

Bea Williams

A journalism major at Cal State Chico who writes about the importance of reading for pleasure during the school year.

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What they’re saying

“Between the months of June and August, you can always find me with a good book in my hands. I love to lay on the beach with an iced coffee and a summer romance novel as I sunbathe and listen to the ocean waves.”

— Bea Williams, Student Writer (hercampus.com)

The takeaway

This article serves as a reminder that even with busy schedules, college students should make time to read for pleasure. The tips provided, such as reading for just 10 minutes a day, reading before bed, and using reading apps, can help students incorporate more leisure reading into their lives and reap the benefits of this enriching activity.