Reading lists for university?

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I just had a look at some of the modules I'll be studying for my course this year at uni and I had a look at the required reading lists...I didn't realize the lists would be so long!
Is it worth trying to read a few books off the reading lists before I start the course?
I want to have a bit of an idea of what I'll be learning.

It may be that your lecturers will recommend reading particular texts at certain stages in the course as they relate particularly to your classses at that time. There will usually be some more general texts which will be good for giving you an overview of the course before you begin, so yes, starting reading early is a good idea.

If you already have a class outline or timetable, then that might indicate which texts are relevant to which classes. If you don't have a timetable like that, then maybe you will be able to get one if you ask.

Another advantage to doing your reading early is that the books are more likely still to be in the library! As the term wears on, it can be harder to get the books you need at short notice.

Your lecturers will probably be more than happy to advise you about which texts are essential and which are desirable reading, and if you are going to be buying books it will be helpful to know which are more worth investing in.

Happy reading and I hope you enjoy your courses.

Yes read as many of them as you can. Many will overlap between classes and will familiarize you with the areas main thinkers. It will place you ahead of most other people. Also, at some universities you will have to read them in order to be competivive with other students.

Yes, I call this pre-studying. But you can do this casually and on your own terms, and experiment with different reading and studying methods.

Thanks for the advice.