Now I know what you’re thinking, deadline season is never going to end. But I promise, once you come out on the other side, that lack of something to do will feel pretty big after having things to do all the time. Here are 10 student-friendly ways to cure the boredom that the end of deadlines brings:
- Cocktail making
The perfect student skill. Not only is it super accessible, but with just a little bit of research, you could be impressing your friends at pres with espresso martinis and zombie shots while the rest of them pour badly ratioed Malibu and cokes. All you need is a shaker and strainer, both of which come in a set from various different places. I got mine from Wilko’s but Amazon has plenty of choice too!
2. Volunteer
This is one of those hobbies that aren’t just rewarding for you, but also look AMAZING on a CV. The easiest avenue to go through is Warwick Volunteers, a society on campus that comes up with opportunities to get involved in. Otherwise, Voluntary Action Coventry has plenty of positions to apply for ranging from Marketing and Social Media supporters to Tutors. You can find more information here:
https://www.vcconnectsystem.org.uk/CoventryVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/OpportunitySearch
3. Start that scrapbook
Remember all those times you said you’d print out your photos so you had something to look back on once uni was over? Well now is your chance! While having all your memories on a phone is fine, having a physical copy of your time at university will be a wonderful way to remind yourself of the ups and downs in years to come. Freeprints lets you order 45 free photos a month that you can then label with funny anecdotes and perhaps songs you were listening to at the time.
4. Workout
If I had put this option on this list last year I would have hated me too, but hear me out. I joined the gym just this week and have taken up running over the past few months and it really does make you feel good. The trick is not to pressure yourself into being the best – just do what feels good to you! And, if it’s working out alone that scares you, find someone else who is in the same boat; I’m sure there are plenty of people who would start if they only had another person to motivate them!
5. Workout – your brain
Sudoku, chess, maths puzzles, word games – all of these will keep your brain active when uni isn’t pushing it. Not only are these quick games fun and easy to learn, but they will also make you feel productive while practising a hobby. Chess.com is a great place to start with tutorials and instructions on how to play the game and you can find so many puzzles online just by typing any of the above into google. Happy puzzling!
6. Learn to sew
This one seems kinda boring but honestly, once you’ve got the hang of it, embroidery can be a beautiful skill to have. I firstly mean learn to sew in the practical sense, because it has been one of the most useful things my Mum taught me. This skill can help to mend anything meaning you don’t have to discard or replace clothes that get ripped on a night out! Then, once you feel confident, you can learn to embroider patterns and logos onto your clothes, customising them for a very little cost of thread and needle. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials to get you started!
7. Windowsill gardening
I have seen so many hobby websites suggest to students that they take up gardening. What a great idea! If any of us actually had gardens we could use… Instead, try something a little simpler that will a) take up less space and b) take less maintenance. A windowsill herb garden will brighten up your room and, if successful, will give you a fresh taste to your cooking. You can show off to your flatmates that you actually grew some of the stuff you are eating.
8. Learn a new language
Or pick up that one you tried a few years ago… We have all been there, the Duolingo streak only getting to 5 days before that little green owl shows its disappointed face. But just 15 minutes of practice a day could get you to learn a new language, and I’m pretty sure you scroll on TikTok for longer than that a day. So, stick with it, act like it’s compulsory, and I’m sure it will soon feel like a normal part of your day. Bonne chance!
9. Write for Her Campus!!
Sneaky bit of self-promo here, but we are always looking for new writers on our page and now is the time to work on projects for yourself rather than deadlines set by others. If there is anything you feel passionate about, an event you went to recently or just a rant about a tv show you didn’t like, we want to hear about it! Check out our Instagram @hercampusatwarwick, to find out how to sign up and I look forward to reading your work. P.S. Just like volunteering, having published work looks great on a CV just so you know ;)
10. Start a podcast/blog/YouTube channel
This is a great way to discuss a passion and gain a group of people around you who are also interested in your hobby. You could discuss your favourite music, sports, review films or discuss anything really! Try getting friends to come on your show to get new insights into the subject and see where the conversation takes you. This is a brilliant way to find out new things about what you love and to share those findings with others.
So there you go. 10 things to do if you can’t think of anything to do. I mean there is always the option to watch Netflix, but where’s the fun in that?