Discover, Create, Thrive: Embracing Hobbies for a Fulfilling College Journey

College is a time for self-discovery and growth, both academically and personally. But being a student can often feel overwhelming with assignments, exams, and the pressure to succeed. That's why at DBU, we encourage students of all ages to find and explore a new hobby outside of the classroom during their time in college.

A hobby can help you relax, de-stress, and connect with others. It can also serve as a gateway to unexplored interests, hidden talents, and valuable skills. And who knows, it could lead to a future career or calling.

This article highlights the benefits of exploring a hobby in college and gives examples of student hobbies that may pique your interest.

Benefits of Having a Hobby

Whether you're a fan of photography, dabble in the culinary arts, or enjoy playing a musical instrument, having a hobby benefits your mental and physical well-being.

Here are just a few reasons why you may want to consider finding one or more hobbies to pick up in college:

• Stress relief: College is a wonderful and stressful time. Having a hobby can help you take a break from the daily pressures of schoolwork and give your mind a chance to recharge. They can also help you lower your heart rate and blood pressure and improve your overall mood.
• Socialization: Hobbies are a great way to meet new people and make friends outside your program or department. Joining a club or community that aligns with your interests can introduce you to like-minded students who share your passions and can provide a sense of belonging and support. In addition to meeting new people, hobbies can also help you strengthen relationships with friends and family.
• Personal growth: Exploring a hobby allows you to discover new interests, talents, and skills that you may not even know you have. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you can challenge yourself to try new things and push your boundaries to expand your knowledge and grow.
• Increased self-confidence: Building self-confidence in yourself and your abilities is vital as you navigate your college journey. A hobby could help you reach a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem as you develop and improve your skills or achieve personal goals.
• Improved time management: Time management is one of the most challenging skills to master in life, especially during college when you're juggling multiple responsibilities and deadlines. A hobby can help you improve your time management skills by teaching you how to allocate your time effectively and prioritize your commitments. Hobbies can also help you learn how to manage your stress levels and avoid procrastination.
• Physical and mental health: Engaging in an activity you genuinely enjoy has hundreds of physical and psychological health benefits, including improved focus and concentration, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, increased cognitive function, and enhanced overall well-being.

How to Find a Hobby

Finding a hobby may seem impossible when you're already knee-deep in coursework, but it's worth the effort. Here are some quick tips to help you find a hobby that's right for you:

• Think about your interests. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What are you passionate about? The answer to these questions could lead you to a potential hobby. For example, if you enjoy reading, you could start a book club or organize a book donation drive.
• Talk to friends and family. Reach out to your friends and family members to see if they have any recommendations. Sometimes the best way to find a hobby is by asking the people who know you best and share similar interests.
• Browse college clubs and student organizations. Look at the DBU website or visit Student Life to see what clubs and organizations are available on campus. You might find a club or group that speaks to your interests. Some options include The Society of Young Business Professionals and the Sports Management Club.
• Be bold and look for challenging activities. Choose something that'll push you out of your comfort zone and allow you to develop new skills or improve existing ones. 
• Explore your options. Don't give up if you find something that's not quite right for you! Keep exploring until you find something that sparks your interests and passion.

Hobbies for College Students

Still need help finding a hobby? Here are some ideas — from cheap hobbies to easy hobbies to academic hobbies — to get you started!

Creative Hobbies

Art:

• painting
• drawing
• sculpting
• photography
• graphic design
• digital art

Music:

• singing
• playing an instrument
• songwriting
• composing
• DJing

Writing:

• poetry
• fiction
• creative nonfiction
• journaling
• blogging
• screenwriting

Crafts:

• knitting
• crocheting
• sewing
• woodworking
• jewelry-making
• macrame

Active Hobbies

Sports:

• basketball
• soccer
• tennis
• volleyball

Outdoor activities:

• hiking
• biking
• camping
• fishing
• rock climbing

Dance:

• ballet
• hip hop
• jazz
• tap

Fitness classes:

• yoga
• Zumba
• kickboxing

Academic Hobbies

Reading:

• fiction
• nonfiction
• magazines
• academic journals
• audiobooks

Language:

• Spanish
• French
• German
• Russian
• Mandarin

Coding:

• Python
• JavaScript
• HTML/CSS

Finding a hobby in college isn't just about passing the time or filling your schedule with something to do. It's about finding something that brings you joy and enriches your college experience. Now that you have the information, take action and find a hobby that resonates with you!