Student looking for some good novels

Hey there, I'm a first year University student, and I'd like to find some novels to read. Specifically, I'd like to read some novels that are fairly well known and important. I'm not sure if that's pretentious, but I don't dedicate that much time to reading. If I don't read many books, I'd at least like the ones I do read to be well enough known that I could start a conversation about them.

I'd choose the books for myself, but when I look at most lists of good books from the last century, it's hard to tell if the book is suited for my level of education. I'm a good reader by high school standards, but I'm taking math courses in University, so I don't have any sort of extensive English knowledge. So if you make a suggestion, I'd appreciate if it was relatively easy to read. Keep in mind I don't necessarily mean a simple or shallow novel, as I like to think about what I'm reading, but I don't want to read a book that I need to struggle through because I don't understand the language.

I'm sorry if this post is written badly, since I've never actually asked for a book suggestion before. I'd be glad to provide more information if anyone wants.

Although I fear from feeding the troll I have to say Terry Pratchett books are good BUT his writing gets differentiated from Guards! Guards!, before that... well even he admits his writing sucks at that period.

Anyway because I don't want to deviate from the topic, your criterion for a "good" novel, easy to read and improves your language, I have to recommend Stephen King and Michael Crichton novels. They are easy to read, entertains the reader mostly - because they are so into visual input in their writing I guess, and they are good.

Hope that helps :)