Reading is a fundamental skill that significantly impacts academic success
and personal development. It facilitates communication, provides access to
information, and broadens one's knowledge and experiences. Despite its
importance, Indonesian learners face notable challenges in English reading
comprehension. The country's low literacy rates and limited exposure to Englishlanguage
materials contribute to difficulties in understanding English texts, as
evidenced by poor performance in international assessments such as PISA and the
English Proficiency Index. Recognizing the necessity of proficient reading skills
for university students, this study investigates the specific challenges faced by
sixth-semester English Language Education students at Universitas
Muhammadiyah Purwokerto. This study investigates these challenges among
sixth-semester English Language Education students at Universitas
Muhammadiyah Purwokerto. Utilizing a descriptive quantitative design, the
research surveyed 45 students from two classes to identify issues and strategies
for improvement. The study identifies several key challenges, there are mastery of
the English language (82%), unfamiliarity with vocabulary (80%), lack of
background knowledge (83%), unfamiliarity with certain concepts (79%), and
poor writing systems (77%). Strategies to address these challenges involve regular
study schedules, immersive experiences, vocabulary apps, broad reading, and
effective reading techniques like skimming and summarizing. These approaches
aim to enhance reading comprehension and academic performance.