14 Brilliant Hobbies for University Students
Between lectures, deadlines, and social events, finding time for yourself at university can be a struggle. But these brilliant hobbies for university students offer a much-needed respite, allowing you to de-stress, explore your interests, and develop valuable life skills alongside your degree.
Whether you want to find a creative outlet, tackle a physical challenge, or simply unwind after a long day, there’s a perfect hobby waiting to be explored. In this article, we will cover the best hobbies for students. Discover cheap, fun, and easy ways to improve your uni experience, plus the main benefits of having a non-academic hobby.
Best Student Hobbies
Photography
One of the top hobbies for students is photography. You can start by learning the basics with an old camera before graduating to a more professional model. Practicing photography can improve your attention to detail and increase your critical thinking and technical skills. It’s also a great way to document your studies, even if you’re not studying a media-related degree.
The best part? Despite popular belief, photography is highly accessible. Don’t panic if you don’t have the latest, fanciest camera; now it’s possible to take expert-level photos on your smartphone. Plus, numerous free online resources, like YouTube tutorials on composition, editing, and other photography techniques, are readily available for free.
Learning a Language
Why not try learning a new language? Whether you enjoy frequent trips to Spain or France or dream of relocating to a far-flung land, language learning is incredibly enriching. Be warned, though – this hobby requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to succeed. It’s not easy to pick up a second (or third!) language.
In today’s interconnected world, language skills are highly valued. Proficiency in multiple languages can enhance your career prospects and open doors to exciting travel and cultural exchange opportunities. For a more casual experience, apps like Duolingo or Memrise are great for improving your vocabulary, while online courses can provide a more intensive (and effective) experience.
Baking
Baking is a great hobby for students. Preparing, mixing, and pouring ingredients is inherently therapeutic and satisfying – and, not to mention, delicious. Students can experiment with different recipes, flavours, and techniques, ranging from microwave cakes to ooey, gooey brownies. There are plenty of dedicated student-friendly recipes to follow, too.
You can pick up budget ingredients in supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, or even split the cost with your friends and bake together. Sharing homemade treats with new uni friends can help build deeper connections. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to take time out from studying with something tasty.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years…. and it’s easy to see why. It’s an exhilarating hobby that offers a physical and mental challenge for students. It encourages you stay active, build strength and endurance, and develop problem-solving skills that can be beneficial in your studies too.
It’s important to have hobbies that are mindful and physical, with rock climbing being the latter. It helps improve your overall fitness, as well as engaging various muscle groups that are not targeted when you run or do yoga, for example.
It’s not the cheapest hobby – you will need to pay for each climbing session – but it’s worth checking if your uni has a climbing society. Overcoming challenging routes and reaching new heights boosts self-confidence and encourages students to push their limits. Additionally, many climbing gyms offer a supportive and encouraging community.
Dancing
If you’re looking for a fun way to keep fit, try dancing as a hobby. There are countless styles to explore, from energetic hip-hop and tap to graceful ballet and elegant ballroom.
Finding opportunities to dance is easier than ever. Look into joining university dance societies, explore local dance studios, or even find cheap (or free) classes online. Many online platforms offer a wide range of dance tutorials, from beginner to advanced levels.
Don’t worry if you’re nervous about dancing in front of others. Even putting your favourite playlist on and moving around the kitchen for 30 minutes is enough to get your blood pumping and boost your serotonin levels.
Playing a Musical Instrument
Similarly to learning a language, learning a new musical instrument is a student hobby that requires patience. You first need to decide on an instrument. If you’re on a budget, ukuleles, acoustic guitars, and recorders are the cheapest to buy second-hand.
Other options include the drums, piano, violin, or singing (it’s free!) Make sure to see if your university has a club for learning a particular instrument, as surrounding yourself with other beginners can help keep you motivated.
Pottery
Pottery as a hobby is booming in the UK, and many universities now even have pottery societies. It’s a rewarding and therapeutic hobby for students, allowing space for creativity and mindfulness.
The process of shaping, molding, and transforming raw materials into beautiful objects can be incredibly satisfying. It encourages students to embrace imperfection and appreciate the beauty of handmade creations.
While it’s possible to practise pottery at home – you can order air-dry clay and paints online – going to a pottery cafe or attending a professional workshop allows you to hone your skills. It provides a welcome escape from the stresses of academic life and lets you focus on something other than your coursework.
Blogging
If you have lots to say, why not create a blog about a unique interest? Blogging provides a fantastic creative outlet for uni students, allowing you to share your knowledge on a certain topic. Whether you want to write about exotic animals, your favourite theme park, or even an offbeat personal hobby, chances are that someone else will want to read about it.
Blogging about something not related to your studies can help you develop your writing “voice”. Blogging experience can also be a valuable skill for several industries – journalism and marketing, to name a couple. This is a great hobby, especially if your course is more practical.
You’ll need a place to showcase your writing. The easiest way to start is with a free WordPress plan. Pick a blog template, install it for free, and create your content. Likewise, Medium is another great platform where you can share your thoughts and feelings on a topic. Medium is far less customisable, but that might be better if you simply want to share your writing.
Yoga
Another brilliant student hobby is yoga. University life can be incredibly demanding and yoga’s focus on deep breathing and mindful movement helps to calm the mind and reduce study stress. Plus, long study sessions (especially hunched over a laptop) can leave you feeling stiff and sluggish. Yoga can help increase flexibility and stretch out your aching muscles.
There are a variety of “yoga styles” to practise. Try a slow, restorative flow to clear your mind, or start with Ashtanga-style yoga if you want a physical challenge. Better yet, you can try yoga for free by taking classes on YouTube. Yoga with Adriene is a great starting point for beginners. You don’t need any fancy equipment; you just need to find a soft surface in a quiet room.
Reading
Reading is a classic (and low cost) hobby. Whether you’re into fiction, self-help books, or poetry, taking time away from your studying can help provide a dose of escapism. In particular, reading before bed is a great way to unwind and promote natural sleep. So, grab a decaf tea and your favourite novel, and curl up for half an hour before you settle down for the night.
While academic reading is essential, it’s equally important to make time for recreational reading. Stepping away from course-related material allows students to explore diverse perspectives, engage with different writing styles, and enjoy the pleasure of losing themselves in a good book.
Remember to utilise your local library or charity shop for books on a budget. And, if you’re not sure what to read, start with one of these excellent books for students – while not directly related to your studies, they will help you develop new cognitive skills.
Knitting
Knitting isn’t just for old folks – it’s a fantastic practical hobby for those at university. Once you’ve picked up the basic materials, it’s a relatively inexpensive creative hobby that encourages mindfulness.
Joining a knitting club or society can also allow you to connect with other enthusiasts, share ideas, and learn new techniques. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different stitches, patterns, and colours to create unique and personalised items.
Drawing/Painting
If you’re looking for a way to express yourself outside of rigid university work, drawing and painting can be great ways to do this. Similar to baking and pottery, creating art is a therapeutic hobby that allows you to forget about life’s stressors.
Again, this is another creative hobby where you don’t need to worry about being “perfect”. Painting something abstract can be a great way to banish perfectionism and positively express your emotions. All your art supplies can be picked up at discount stores like Home Bargains and B&M for a couple of pounds and will last you an entire semester.
Gardening
Gardening is a surprisingly accessible hobby for students, even those living in dorms. While owning a sprawling vegetable garden might not be possible, caring for a few houseplants can help bring sunshine indoors.
Even a few small plants can improve the air quality in your dorm room. Plus, studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress and improve your mood. Start with easy-to-care-for succulents if you’re a newbie, before progressing onto vibrant flowering plants or even a small herb garden.
Scrapbooking
If your course is very demanding, scrapbooking is easy and low commitment. It’s a creative and nostalgic hobby that offers a unique way for students to document their experiences and preserve memories.
The process involves collecting and organising photos and memorabilia – think freshers wristbands, polaroids with friends, and concert tickets. You can even pair this hobby with photography, language learning, or drawing for a cool way to showcase your new skills.
While you can simply take a notepad and glue your memories inside, it can also be fun to experiment with different layouts and embellishments. Use pens to annotate your memories and write down how you felt in the moment. Then, at the end of your studies, you can look back on your time at uni fondly.
The Key Benefits of a Non-Academic Hobby
So, why should you pick a non-academic hobby? Pursuits outside of studies offer a wealth of benefits for students. The main one is avoiding study burnout. Engaging in a hobby provides a mental break from the pressures of academics. It allows you to unwind, de-stress, and recharge your batteries.
Also, having a consistent hobby can be a great way to boost your mood and combat feelings of anxiety or depression. It also involves learning new skills and developing talents – this can be anything from playing a musical instrument to flexing your creative writing skills.
One of the best reasons to pick up a hobby while at uni is for social interaction. This can help you expand your social circle and make new friends, especially if you spend lots of time studying alone. Above all, it’s important to pick something that excites you and stay consistent!
