Best Activities & Hobbies for Students

University life is the first time many students realise that free time can be just as important as timetabled hours. Between seminars, shifts, and social plans, students quickly learn that having something just for yourself really matters. It’s one of the best times to explore new hobbies, rediscover old interests, and work out what actually brings you joy outside your degree. Whether you’re transitioning to university for the first time or settling into uni after a few weeks, finding hobbies can shape your entire student experience.

Here, we’ll share practical and fun hobby examples for students, packed with inspiration, social opportunities, and realistic ideas that work around busy schedules and tight budgets. From active hobbies and creative pursuits all the way to hobbies to do at home and fun activities to do with friends, this is a genuinely helpful list of hobbies designed for real student life. 

Ever ask yourself, “What hobbies should I try?” You’re in the right place for all the inspo you could ask for.

Why are Hobbies Important?

Hobbies play a bigger role in student life than most people expect. They support mental health, build confidence, and help you form connections beyond your course. For many students, hobbies become the bridge between academic life and personal identity. 

When managing stress at uni, having a regular activity that helps you switch off is invaluable. Exercise-based hobbies help regulate sleep patterns and support sleeping well at uni, while creative hobbies offer emotional expression and stress relief. Social hobbies, on the other hand, help making friends at uni far less intimidating. 

They’re also quite practical when it comes to strengthening your list of hobbies and interests for CV sections. Employers value students who show curiosity, balance, and commitment outside academics. By providing strong hobbies and interests examples, you’ll stand out amongst your competition.

 

For international students in particular, hobbies help with settling into uni and building community quickly. Joining clubs and societies is often one of the fastest ways to feel at home.

How Do I Pick What Hobbies I Should Try?

Choosing from a huge list of hobbies can feel overwhelming. The key is to start small and think realistically about your lifestyle

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Do I want something social or solo?

• Do I want hobbies to do at home or something that gets me out?

• Do I want to relax, move, or create?

• What fits my budget and schedule?

 

If you’re working part-time or balancing coursework, low-pressure hobbies are often the best place to start. Think walking groups, book clubs, cooking budget-friendly recipes, or joining beginner fitness classes.

Your hobby doesn’t need to be impressive. It just needs to be enjoyable. Many students try new hobbies in short bursts, then stick with what feels right, and that’s completely normal.

It also helps to think about hobbies to pick up in your 20s. These are often skills that grow with you, such as cooking, language learning, or creative projects. 

And if you’re still unsure after reading this about what hobbies you want to commit to, join a student society. They’re perfect for discovering new hobbies to try without the long-term commitment!

List of Hobbies & Activities for Students

Below is a curated list of hobbies to pick up in your 20s designed specifically for student life. Whether you want to take up fun hobbies with friends or quiet and relaxing hobbies to do at home, here are the most flexible and affordable options that you can adapt to your schedule.

Gym & Weightlifting

Gym training is one of the most popular hobbie examples for students. Many universities offer discounted gym memberships, making it both affordable and accessible.

Not only does weightlifting improve strength and confidence, but it also has a positive effect on your mental focus. It’s a highly social hobby, especially when attending classes or going with flatmates. If you’re looking for a simple way to add movement to your day, short gym sessions can be totally transformative.

Running

One of the most budget-friendly hobby ideas available is running. All you need is a pair of trainers and a bit of motivation.

If you’re looking to make friends, joining a running club is a great place to start. By doing so, you can turn a casual jog into a social outing, and it also keeps you accountable to commit. Running clubs suit beginners and experienced runners alike, and often include social coffees afterwards. It’s one of the easiest new hobbies to try during your first term.

Yoga

Yoga is ideal for students managing stress at uni, especially during busy periods when deadlines start to stack up. It combines movement, breathing, and mindfulness in a way that helps calm your nervous system while still keeping your body active. For many students, yoga becomes a reliable reset after long days of studying or screen time, supporting both physical and mental health.

Many universities offer free or low-cost yoga classes through student unions or campus gyms, making it easy to try without a big commitment. Yoga is also one of the most flexible hobbies to do at home, with thousands of beginner-friendly videos available online. Whether you have ten minutes between lectures or want a longer session in the evening, it fits easily around deadlines and changing schedules.

Five-a-side Football

Casual, fast-paced, and a perfect example of fun activities to do with friends, five-a-side football is a brilliant social hobby.

You don’t need previous experience to enjoy it. Many student groups welcome beginners and focus more on fun than competition. It’s a classic example of fun hobbies that double as social time.

Climbing & Bouldering

Over the last few years, climbing walls and bouldering centres have become a go-to choice for students looking for interesting hobbies that are a bit different from traditional gym workouts. The activity is physically challenging while also being mentally engaging, as each route becomes a problem to solve rather than just a test of strength. It’s also far more social than many people expect, with students often swapping tips, encouraging each other, and climbing together between attempts; it’s a whole community.

Many climbing centres run regular student nights, discounted entry, and beginner-friendly sessions, making it easy to get started even if you have never climbed before. Equipment can usually be hired on site, which keeps costs low and removes pressure to invest straight away. For students keen to try interesting hobbies that feel adventurous and confidence-building, this is a great option that still fits comfortably around lectures and deadlines.

 

Swimming

Swimming is a calming and low-impact hobby that suits all fitness levels, whether you’re a confident swimmer or just getting back into it. Many students use swimming as a way to decompress after lectures, enjoying the repetitive movement and quiet time away from screens and study spaces. It can be especially helpful during stressful weeks, offering a gentle form of exercise that clears your head while still supporting overall fitness. It’s also excellent for improving sleep quality, making it useful for students focused on sleeping well at uni.

Hiking

Hiking offers a break from screens and study spaces. Many university towns have walking routes, parks, or countryside nearby. Hiking groups are inclusive and welcoming, making them ideal for students transitioning to university who want relaxed social interaction.

Cycling

Looking for student tips for budgeting? Cycling works as both a hobby and a money-saver; it’s a great practical skill to know, it improves your fitness, and you end up spending less money on transport!

Martial Arts

Martial arts, such as judo, taekwondo, or boxing, offer a structured way for students to build discipline, fitness, and confidence at the same time. Training sessions focus not only on physical strength and technique, but also on focus, consistency, and self-control, which can be especially helpful during demanding academic periods. 

For students looking to feel more confident in their bodies and abilities, these are powerful examples of hobbies that build resilience and self-belief over time. The sense of progression, from learning basic movements to mastering techniques, can be incredibly motivating and often carries over into other areas of uni life as well.

Cooking

Cooking is one of the most valuable hobbies to pick up in your 20s. It saves money, supports health, and builds independence.

Using a budget planner? Learning to cook budget-friendly recipes is especially useful. If you want to turn it into a social occasion, why not cook for friends? Or better yet, cook with friends!

Baking

Creative, calming, and extremely shareable, baking is one of the most popular hobbies to do at home for students. It offers a welcome break from studying and a chance to focus on something hands-on, whether that’s perfecting brownies, experimenting with bread, or baking for friends. And between us, it makes you very popular in shared accommodation, especially when a fresh batch turns up in the kitchen during deadline season! 

Chess

Chess clubs thrive in universities all over. They offer social interaction, mental challenge, and structured play. It’s one of those interesting hobbies that suits both competitive and casual players alike.

Board Games

Board game societies are perfect for low-pressure socialising. They’re inclusive, welcoming, and great for making friends at uni. If you’re looking for ways to socialise that don’t revolve around nights out, this is a top contender for fun activities to do with friends.

Reading & Book Club

Reading is one of the simplest hobbies to do at home, offering a quiet escape from lectures, deadlines, and screens. Joining a book club adds social connection and accountability, giving you a chance to discuss ideas, share perspectives, and meet like-minded students. They also make excellent extracurricular activities for students who enjoy discussion and analysis.

Cinema & Film Club

Film societies bring together students who love cinema, storytelling, and visual culture. Screenings, discussions, and trips make this a very social hobby. It’s a great option for students interested in progressing a career in the film industry.

Blogging

Blogging allows students to explore interests, reflect on experiences, and build digital skills. Many students blog about travel, food, student life, or mental health. Offering strong examples of hobbies and interests for future employers, blogging isn’t just a fun hobby; it’s a gateway into your career.

Creative Writing

If you’re a student who’s interested in storytelling or publishing, this is a powerful hobby that can help you get into it. Creative writing supports self-expression and confidence. Check out local writing groups; they can help you to develop ideas and share work in supportive environments.

Photography

Photography encourages creativity and observation. You don’t need expensive equipment to start, just a smartphone and curiosity. Photography clubs often organise photo walks, exhibitions, and competitions, so get snapping!

Videography

Building technical and creative skills, videography is the ideal hobby for students interested in social media, marketing, or film. In need of a subject? Connect with local bands, charities, and small businesses and let your imagination flow.

Graphic Design

Thinking about going into a creative career? Graphic design is one of the most practical new hobbies to try for you to try. By practising this talent, you can develop visual communication skills. Many students learn through free software and online tutorials.

Drawing & Painting

Drawing and painting are calming and expressive hobbies. They are ideal for managing stress at uni and unwinding after long days. These hobbies require minimal equipment and are easy to practise at home. You don’t even have to be a pro sketcher, either; it’s the practice that helps promote calmness.

Arts & Crafts

Crafting hobbies like knitting, embroidery, or collaging have become popular among students. They’re relaxing, creative, and often very social if you do it in a group setting.

Dance Classes

Combining fitness, creativity, and social interaction, taking a dance class is just one of the many fun hobbies that you should try to boost your confidence and energy.

Learning A Language

Learning a language enhances cognitive skills and cultural awareness. Language societies provide conversation practice and social events. This is a strong addition to any list of hobbies and interests for a CV.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way for students to connect with their local community while gaining meaningful experiences outside of lectures. Opportunities can range from mentoring younger students to taking part in environmental projects, offering a variety of ways to get involved. Beyond the practical benefits, volunteering can also support mental health, giving a sense of purpose and balance during busy academic periods.

Uni Life Beyond the Lectures 

Finding the right hobby can completely change your university experience. It helps with settling into uni, managing stress, and building friendships that last far beyond graduation.

Whether you want hobbies to do at home, fun activities with friends, or new hobbies that support your wellbeing and future career, there’s no shortage of options. Use this list of hobbies as inspiration, try a few, and see what sticks!

At aparto, student life is about more than where you live. It’s about feeling supported, connected, and confident during one of the most exciting chapters of your life. Wherever you’re studying, the right hobbies can help you feel at home faster. With a legendary events calendar, we’re always exploring new hobbies; it’s a great way for you to meet new friends in the residence you live in. Want to join? Book your stay at one of our student accommodation options today.