It's College! New Hobbies To Try

In case you aren’t super busy this fall, or just want something to take your mind off of assignments and work, consider taking on a new hobby. Not only are you challenging yourself to get out of your comfort zone, but to choose an activity that helps you question the world around you, and consider ideas and experiences that may have never crossed your mind is pretty exciting. I’m always willing to try new things. Even when my days are completely filled, I’m stressed, and my life seems out of control for that small period of time, I manage to get to a point where I find myself bored (Strange, I know). If you are tired of the same, mundane activities, or you’re simply looking for a spark to stimulate your mind, look no further. I’ve compiled a list to get you started.

Watch a series of documentaries

Think about a topic you find extremely fascinating or something you have a remote interest in. For example, I particular have an interest in films that  investigate the era of Jim Crow and the relationships in the Kennedy family. Once you’ve done that, take a look at the documentaries found in the nearest library. There’s also plenty listed on YouTube, Hulu and Netflix. When you take education into your own hands and actively seek out information that’s important to you, not only can you offer a notable perspective in class, but you can offer information that may not be included in the curriculum. It’s knowledge that you can benefit from as events and stories shape your mind.

Themed Study Groups

Every so often, invite your friends and classmates to a night of doing homework together. But here’s the thing, to make things interesting, dress up and order food. You can even ask people to bring a dish of their choosing. Have a themed study night where you can be in the company of people you care about. We are all in the same boat of trying to make it through school. Sometimes, all we need is a weekly or monthly pick-me-up where we not only socialize with people, but dedicate time out of the night to study, ask questions, answer practice problems, and go over ideas for class. It’s meant to be a night of balance—having the support of classmates when you need it, but also have a few dance buddies after working hard.

Bike every morning

If you tend to miss the sunrise, this is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty of your campus while getting your exercise out the way. Of course, this doesn’t have to be every morning, or everyday for that matter. Develop a routine that’s best for you. If you prefer the sunset or prefer to bike at noon, then do just that. Anything to release some endorphins and make life just a little bit easier is worth trying.

Customize friends’ spaces

Say you know several people who are fairly unorganized and you wouldn’t mind helping to make their lives a little less stressful. Ask friends and associates if they need someone to help keep their belongings in check. Whether that’s organizing a friend’s closet for free or a small pay, or doing a little extra help at your job goes a long way. Cleaning has always been therapeutic for me. It takes my mind off of things for a short while, and while I’m cleaning, it helps clear my mind. Just don’t become someone’s maid. Simply offer to help several people at a given time and see where it takes you.

Camping

Get a group of like-minded people together and set off to a beautiful beach, an isolated lake or a native forest. Fun will be had, guaranteed. If someone you know happens to own an RV, take a look at this publication that offers ideas on RV supplies.

Do some kind of tutorial

Consider creating your own YouTube channel to create and edit videos. Even if you think what you have to say isn’t worth saying or listening to, give it a shot. Shoot a makeup tutorial, a how-to on using editing software, or even an advice video column where you offer solutions to incoming college students or provide relationship tips. You’d be surprised how much of your time will be filled doing just this.

If none of these sound intriguing or you’re just blown away by the ideas that you want to find even more things to do, take a look the various hobbies listed here and here. Just remember, it’s up to you to make the best out of what you have.