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In our “Best Books for University” series we have already explored the top books for developing a success-driven mindset and the best books for improving social skills at university.
Now, we’re turning our attention to entrepreneurship—an increasingly popular path for university students looking to create opportunities while studying.
Whether you’re dreaming of launching a start-up, starting a side hustle, or simply thinking more innovatively, these books will help you develop an entrepreneurial mindset and take action.
Why University is the Best Time to Develop an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Let’s be real—university is one of the best places to start thinking like an entrepreneur. Why? Because you’ve got the time, the resources, and, let’s face it, fewer responsibilities than you will later in life.
A study by the National Association of College Entrepreneurs (NACUE) found that over 42% of UK students express an interest in starting their own business while still studying.
Another academic study, “Determinant Factors of Entrepreneurial Ideation Among University Students” (source: Springer), highlights how exposure to entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and networking opportunities significantly influences students’ likelihood of starting a business.
Many successful entrepreneurs, such as UK-based Steven Bartlett, who founded Social Chain while at Manchester Metropolitan University, used their time at university to test and launch their ventures. Richard Branson and Mark Zuckerberg are also famous examples of entrepreneurs who built their businesses in their early student years.
With access to university incubators, entrepreneurship societies, and startup competitions, students have the perfect environment to develop the problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership skills necessary to succeed in business.
Top Books for Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset at University – Top Reads for Student Entrepreneurs
Let’s dive into the best reads for future student entrepreneurs! 🚀 (p.n. all links to Amazon UK)
1. “The Beermat Entrepreneur: Turn Your Good Idea into a Great Business” by Mike Southon and Chris West
Many students have great business ideas but struggle to turn them into viable ventures. “The Beermat Entrepreneur” simplifies this process by offering a step-by-step guide on refining an idea, securing funding, and building a strong team.
This book is particularly beneficial for UK students as it provides insights into the UK business environment and funding opportunities.
2. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
For students who want to launch a startup while minimizing risks, “The Lean Startup” is a must-read. It introduces the concept of building a “minimum viable product” (MVP) and iterating quickly based on customer feedback.
This approach is ideal for students who want to test business ideas with limited resources before fully committing.
3. “Teaching the Entrepreneurial Mindset Across the University: An Integrative Approach” by Lisa Bosman and Stephanie Fernhaber
This book is ideal for university students looking to integrate entrepreneurial thinking into different fields of study. It provides a structured approach to developing creativity, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
The book encourages students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset at university regardless of their chosen academic discipline, making it an excellent resource for those who want to apply business strategies to various sectors.
4. “Diary of a Future Billionaire” by Pamela Butchart
Following the story of a young boy determined to become a billionaire, the book highlights the importance of persistence, innovative thinking, and adapting to challenges.
While this book is written in a humorous style, it offers valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, ambition, and problem-solving. It’s an enjoyable read that will inspire students to think creatively and embrace an entrepreneurial mindset at university.
5. “Entrepreneurship: The Practice and Mindset” by Heidi M. Neck, Christopher P. Neck, and Emma L. Murray
This book is based on the world-renowned Babson College entrepreneurship program. It emphasizes hands-on learning and the practical application of entrepreneurial theories.
Unlike traditional business textbooks, it encourages readers to think innovatively, take risks, and learn through experience. If you’re a student who prefers learning by doing, this book is a must-read.
6. “The $100 Startup” by Chris Guillebeau
Many students believe they need significant capital to start a business. “The $100 Startup” challenges this notion by providing real-world examples of entrepreneurs who built successful businesses with minimal investment.
This book is great for students looking for low-cost ways to start generating income.
7. “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel
Understanding financial management is crucial for any entrepreneur. “The Psychology of Money” explores how financial decisions are influenced by behavior and mindset.
This book is valuable for students who want to build strong money habits early in their entrepreneurial journey.
8. “You Are Awesome: Find Your Confidence and Dare to be Brilliant at (Almost) Anything” by Matthew Syed
A crucial aspect of entrepreneurship is having the confidence to take risks and persevere through failures. This book focuses on building a growth mindset and overcoming self-doubt—key attributes for any aspiring entrepreneur.
Matthew Syed uses real-life stories to illustrate how resilience and persistence can lead to success, making this book perfect for students who want to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset.
Must-Read Entrepreneur Books for University Students — Get One for Free!
Did you know you can get one of these books for free? Audible offers a 30-day free trial that includes one free audiobook.
Simply sign up, choose your book, and enjoy listening to it anytime. Just don’t forget to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue the subscription.
Listening to audiobooks can be a game-changer, especially if you find it hard to make time for reading. You can listen while commuting, exercising, or even relaxing before bed.
How to Apply Entrepreneurial Thinking at University | Practical Steps for Student Entrepreneurs
Reading these books is a great start, but let’s be honest—just reading won’t make you an entrepreneur. You’ve got to put what you learn into action.
For example, “Entrepreneurship: The Practice and Mindset” emphasizes hands-on learning, so consider working on real-world projects or starting a small business.
“The Beermat Entrepreneur” provides a step-by-step guide to turning an idea into a business, which can be applied by drafting a business plan and seeking funding through university incubators.
Meanwhile, “You Are Awesome” encourages resilience, which can be cultivated by embracing challenges and learning from failures in entrepreneurial competitions.
Here are some practical steps UK university students can take to become more entrepreneurial:
- Join Entrepreneurship Societies – Many UK universities have business and entrepreneurship societies that provide networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to startup competitions.
- Take Advantage of University Incubators – Many universities offer startup incubators, where students can access funding, office space, and mentorship to develop their business ideas.
- Start a Side Hustle – Whether it’s freelancing, selling products online, or offering tutoring services, starting a small business while studying is a great way to gain real-world experience.
- Engage in Hackathons and Startup Competitions – Participating in competitions will challenge you to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills.
- Network with Like-Minded Individuals – Surrounding yourself with other aspiring entrepreneurs will provide motivation and valuable business insights.
Conclusion
University is the perfect time to start thinking like an entrepreneur—whether you want to launch the next big startup, build a profitable side hustle, or develop leadership skills for a future career in business and innovation.
The books listed above provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you think innovatively, take calculated risks, and develop resilience.
By combining these readings with hands-on experience, networking, and strategic learning, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.
So, what’s stopping you? Join that entrepreneurship society, sketch out your first business idea, or find a mentor who can guide you. The sooner you start, the closer you’ll be to turning your ambitions into reality.
Check out these must-read entrepreneur books and kickstart your journey into the world of startups, innovation, and financial freedom today!
University Essentials 🎓
We have crafted ad-hoc essential lists for various facets of university life!
- Student essentials, a day on campus 📝
- Student accommodation essentials, most useful & forgotten💡
- Study from home essentials, the simpler the better 🖥️
- Student kitchen essentials, self-catered accommodation & flats🥘
- Coolest gadgets for university students, innovative and useful 🎧