Tired of mindlessly binge watching the same series over and over again? College is a great time to take up a new hobby— one that might actually stick with you afterwards. Here’s a few ideas for activities that could spark your interest and who knows, you might find yourself choosing your new hobby over Netflix.
1. Knitting
Here’s a relaxing activity to do in your free time, while tuning into a podcast or listening to a relaxing Spotify playlist. Knitting or crocheting or sewing can let you be creative and have a tangible end product to show for all of your hard work! If you’re interested, go to this New York Times article to get started on your knitting journey: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/11/smarter-living/how-to-start-knitting.html.
2. Yoga
If you think you’re in dire need of some relaxation, especially as the end of the semester nears, yoga may be a hobby you’re interested in pursuing. This hobby is also relatively low cost— a mat is recommended, but if spending money on a yoga mat doesn’t relax you, maybe take the mat-less approach. The YouTube channel Yoga with Adriene (https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene) has over 500 videos for you to check out and see if yoga is a good fit for you.
3. Exercising
WashU offers several resources if getting into shape has been on your mind lately. Head over to Sumers Recreation Center or the South 40 Fitness Center to access equipment. Otherwise, maybe hiking and getting outdoors is more your idea of fun exercise. If so, join Outing Club, or check out places to hike and bike in St. Louis (https://www.stlmag.com/health/outdoors/10-St-Louis-Hiking-and-Biking-Trails-Not-to-Miss/).
4. Calligraphy
If you’re interested in gaining impressive penmanship skills to use on cards and gifts for your friends and family, this link will help you get started with the basics of calligraphy, https://www.typefloundry.com/five-tips-to-start-having-fun-with-lettering.html, including videos to watch and Instagrams to follow.
5. Scrapbooking
Now is the perfect time to start collecting tangible pieces of your college memories and putting them together to have as a nice keepsake after graduation. If you’re feeling crafty and already nostalgic for last year’s memories, make sure that this year is documented. Amazon has suggested supplies for scrapbooking, so you can find everything you need without leaving campus (https://www.amazon.com/scrapbooking-stamping/b?ie=UTF8&node=12898821).
6. Reading
It can be super relaxing to unwind with a book that you don’t have to discuss in class or write a paper on. Make the decision to finally read that book you’ve been putting off all semester because you don’t have the time, and enjoy it over break.
7. Coloring
Completing adult coloring pages is another activity if knitting just isn’t your thing, but you want to listen to a podcast or music while you’re unwinding. Here’s some advice on which books to spend the money on, https://www.themuse.com/advice/21-adult-coloring-books-thatll-make-all-your-work-stress-melt-away, but before you make the commitment, there are also free printable sheets online.
8. Stargazing
It is getting a bit colder, but maybe put this idea in your back pocket for a warmer night. There are some places not far from campus to check out the night sky (https://stlouis.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-spots-to-go-star-and-moon-gazing-near-st-louis/), and it can be both exciting and calming to look at the stars for a night.
9. Playing Board Games
Wanting to fuel some friendly competition between friends? Board games are a nice solution to these cold weekends. Pick some board games and spend the day snuggled inside beating your friends at Monopoly or Cards Against Humanity. If you’re at a loss as to which games to play, check out the games Dorm Essentials considers the best board games for college students: https://dormessentials.com/top-ten/best-college-board-games/.
10. Cooking or Baking
Cooking can seem like a daunting hobby to take on while living on a college campus because there seems to be a lot of obstacles. However, if you’re itching to eat something not offered on campus or anywhere close by or if you just want something the way you like it, here’s your encouragement to start. On the site, Kitchn, they’ve got a lot of articles to get you started on your cooking journey, including some tips just for college students: https://www.thekitchn.com/11-things-we-wish-we-had-known-about-cooking-in-college-208283.