Studying at UCLA has made me realize how much this school and city are always in a constant state of rush. Everything moves so fast, and as a college student, it can be easy to get caught up in that and forget to take a break. Taking time for yourself is important, whether it’s to recharge, reset, or just have some time away from the busyness that comes with college life. That’s why finding hobbies that are both fun and affordable can make such a difference. This article will highlight four different hobbies to try as a college student living in LA that fit within a college budget.
reading For enjoyment
I recently became a library cardholder at the Santa Monica Public Library, and it changed the way I see going to the library. Most of the time, people go to the library to study, but what if, instead of it being something filled with stress, we made it more recreational and checked out a book just to read for fun? Reading can be such a good way to escape the stresses of college life and discover a whole new reality through a good book.
Westwood has its own library where you can get your own library card and check out books, which is super convenient. Or, if you’re anything like me, you can take a quick bus ride to Santa Monica and explore the libraries out there. I also love a good trip to Barnes & Noble, especially if you’re looking for a wider selection of books!
Going on runs/ walks/ hikes
Being stuck in a dorm room can feel really suffocating sometimes. Going outside and getting some fresh air can make such a difference, especially as a way to reconnect with the nature around you. I recently completed the Bruin Run/Walk 5K, and it was such a good start to my day. It was early in the morning, and afterward I felt like I could take on the rest of the day with so much more energy and joy. It also helped me clear my mind and appreciate the UCLA campus a lot more.
Living in LA is also a huge plus because we’re so close to both the beach and the mountains, so the nature here is really diverse. One place I still want to hike is the Hollywood Sign, which honestly just feels like a complete LA girl experience. Even something simple like a morning walk can be fun too. I’ve walked from Westwood to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and it was such a cool experience. Walking is also such a different experience compared to taking an Uber or the bus because you actually get to see everything around you and become more familiar with the neighborhoods instead of just passing through them.
thrifting
If you’re someone who has an eye for fashion and is a complete shopaholic but doesn’t want to spend full shopaholic money, thrifting in LA is the way to go! Thrifting in LA is such a unique experience because there are so many individual and one-of-a-kind pieces that you probably wouldn’t find in more rural thrift stores.
In Westwood, there’s a thrift shop called 2nd Street USA where you can even sell your clothes. It’s especially known for its luxury thrift finds, which makes it a really fun place to browse if you’re looking for something a little more unique. If that’s not your vibe, Goodwill is just a short bus ride away in Santa Monica and is always a good option if you want a wider range of affordable pieces. You can also find so many other things at thrift stores besides clothes, like room decor, books, CDs, and other random finds that make the whole experience even more fun.
Going to Museums
In LA, we’re surrounded by so many museums, some of them literally being the best in the world. As students, there are also a lot of museums that offer free or discounted admission, which makes it super easy to actually go out and explore them. In this article here, I highlight some of the free or discounted museums available to us in LA, including UCLA’s very own Hammer Museum.
Not too long ago, I went to the Hammer Museum just to get out of my apartment and explore Westwood a little more, and it honestly gave me a new appreciation for art and artists. The immersive experiences that museums offer make them feel so much more fun, and even kind of addicting to go to. They’re also really stress-free, which makes them a perfect escape from everything going on with school.
Overall, I hope this article gave you some new hobbies to look forward to trying out or at least inspired you to try something new. As college students, it can be hard to find the time or even think of ways to unwind and escape the craziness of school, so even finding small things to enjoy can make such a difference.