Find New Hobbies and Make College Count

Mar 2

Recharge and make the most of what college has to offer by exploring new interests.

With busy classes, academic commitments, and career planning, building a balanced lifestyle is especially important for college students. Students gain the perfect opportunity to explore new hobbies by taking advantage of the facilities, organizations, or clubs one’s college has to offer. Consider trying one of the following activities the next time you need a break or want to clear your mind. You might just find your new favorite pastime.

1. Pickleball

Pickleball has recently risen in popularity across college campuses as it is easy to pick up, highly social, and does not require advanced athletic ability. Pacific is no exception, with an official pickleball club on campus that offers equipment, hosts open court sessions, and even holds tournaments. From casually enjoying the sport with friends to playing competitively, pickleball offers a low-pressure way to get to know new people and stay active.

2. Journaling

Managing stress and staying organized are two of the most challenging and relevant tasks college students face. Picking up journaling, even just for five to ten minutes a day, to write down your thoughts, think about your goals, or reflect on recent habits and trends in your life can help you process emotions and combat stress. Journaling is personal, with no particular formula or rules, but thinking about your goals or focusing on gratitude can be good places to start.

3. Exercise

Exercise clears your head, improves physical fitness, and even consolidates memory, according to Science Direct. With gym access included in student tuition, various intramural sports teams, and even just a scenic campus for walking, college provides an ideal time to develop a consistent exercise routine that supports both your physical and mental health.

4. Volunteering

Several campus clubs focus on volunteering and serving the community. These clubs span multiple different academic disciplines, with some offering volunteer opportunities in healthcare-related initiatives and others in education or local government, for example. Volunteering is a productive way to develop interpersonal skills, give back to the community, make connections, and gain new perspectives, all while strengthening your resume.

5. Playing an Instrument

Whether you played an instrument growing up and want to get back into it or are seeking to pick up a musical hobby for the first time, college offers a great opportunity to relieve stress through the relaxing and mentally stimulating nature of playing music. Many colleges offer beginner instrument classes as well as options for students with prior experience. You can take an entry-level piano course, for example, right here at Pacific and even practice regularly with the pianos in the lounges all across campus housing.

Though it sounds cliché, most everyone can agree that college passes by quickly. There are not many other times in life that one would find themselves in an environment with so many accessible resources and diverse communities in one place. Hobbies help you get to know yourself, experience new things, and simultaneously invest in academic success by building a balanced life. Taking time to explore new interests helps you develop a routine that is both fulfilling and productive.

Maya Tedini - Writer

Maya Tedini (Writer) is a first-year Pre-Dentistry major who hasn’t had much experience with campus activities yet, but is excited for upcoming opportunities to get involved. Tedini is part of the First-Year Honors Program, the Pre-Dental Society, and is hoping to write for the Dentin and get involved with clubs soon. She enjoys reading, especially historical fiction and classic novels. She likes traveling to new cities, being outdoors, and trying any crafting activities with her hands, like sewing or drawing. From Irvine, California, Tedini was a gymnast and cheerleader growing up. She has a younger sister and loves spending time with my family. She is looking forward to growing more connected to the university’s community through The Pacifican, as well as getting to know new people on staff. She is also excited to cover sports games!