This paper explores the challenges that first-year English major students at Thang Long University face in developing their reading skills. It examines the key difficulties such as limited vocabulary, insufficient reading strategies, low motivation, and difficulties in processing academic texts. The article also proposes solutions for improving reading skills, including vocabulary enhancement, teaching effective reading strategies, promoting motivational reading, and integrating technology into the learning process. By providing a multi-faceted approach combining traditional methods and modern strategies, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues comprehensively to facilitate student success.