Although college is a time for studying and gaining knowledge that will help you later in life, it’s also a period of personal growth and professional development. It’s an opportunity to create memories, know how to make friends in college, foster long-lasting personal connections, and discover more about yourself. With this in mind, it’s beneficial to seek out fun activities in college to take care of yourself and give yourself a break from all the studying and work. This article discusses the twelve best fun activities for college students.
Arts and Crafts
Not only are arts and crafts activities fun, but they also allow you to tap into your creative side, which is beneficial for de-stressing and thinking in a more abstract manner. This can benefit both your studies and work. There are various arts and crafts activities to choose from, such as painting or woodworking for those who enjoy a hands-on approach, as well as visual arts like photography and filmmaking. You could even turn these activities into a paid gig by selling your creations on sites like Etsy.
Campus Events
In addition to organised clubs, colleges also host one-off events on or near campuses that cover a wide variety of themes and interests. These events provide great opportunities for you to either go with a group of friends or attend alone and meet people with similar interests to yours. Campus events can include guest lectures, concerts, festivals, holiday celebrations, movie nights, or flea markets.
Cooking
Cooking can be a relaxing and fun activity by itself, but it can also be a bonding and collaborative social experience with your friends and roommates. You could either cook a meal together and enjoy the experience or organise a ‘potluck,’ where each person brings a different homemade dish, and you all enjoy the evening eating it as a group. Either way, cooking is a great college activity that allows you to learn new skills along the way.
Exploring Nature
Consider participating in activities further afield from your college’s locale. Getting out and about in nature can provide a welcome respite from hectic college life and connect you to the great outdoors, which can be relaxing, lowering the risk of depression in college students, invigorating, and fun. You could go for a hike, a leisurely walk, or explore nearby forests and woodlands. If the location allows, you could find a lake to swim in, a mountain to climb, or simply a beach to sunbathe at. The choice is yours!
Game Nights
Playing board games can bring out the competitive side in people, but it’s also a fantastic bonding experience and a great activity for college students because it’s affordable and easy to organise. Game nights can be hosted at home with drinks and food (perhaps you could combine one with a potluck dinner), or local bars or cafés may host them, giving you the option to enjoy a night out while playing board games.
Get to Know Your Local Area
Colleges are usually located in lively neighborhoods and areas with plenty of things to see and do away from the campuses. It’s highly beneficial to use your free time to explore the immediate area, or if you have access to a car or public transport, venture further afield.
This is especially important if you’ve moved away from home to attend college and don’t yet know much about your new surroundings. Bring a few friends along for the adventure as well!
Join a Club
Many colleges have an extensive network of clubs based on a variety of interests, from hobby-based and physical activities to greek life in college. Academic clubs are also worth considering. These clubs often host fun events for college students as part of their calendar of activities. Think about your own interests and passions and choose a club that is right for you. These clubs are a great way to delve into what you love while meeting like-minded people and creating social connections.
Movie Nights
While colleges might organise large-scale movie nights where you can watch your favourite films on a big screen, cinema-style, it’s equally fun to organise dorm room movie nights with a few close friends. Bring some food along (preferably popcorn), dim the lights, and you’re sure to have a great evening with your buddies. Consider giving the movie nights themes, such as an action hero evening or a rom-com night, to make them even more enjoyable!
Nights Out
One of the best activities in college is simply having a night out on the town. Gather a few friends and go to the movies, visit a couple of bars, or have a meal at a restaurant, among other options. Many businesses in college towns offer discounts for students, so having a night out with friends doesn’t always have to break the bank. Some colleges also organise group nights out as part of their social clubs.
Sports and Recreation
Sports and recreation activities at college not only provide a great way to stay active and fit but also offer opportunities to meet people and have fun. Colleges often have intramural sports clubs where you can learn and practice sports, possibly to compete at a higher level in the future. Colleges also provide recreational activities like hiking and swimming clubs. If you’re not keen on playing sports, college sports clubs also often host events where spectators can come and support teams instead.
Study Groups
While it might seem like one of the less fun activities on this list, study groups can be not only productive but also enjoyable. If you and a group of friends are studying the same subjects or facing similar challenges in a particular class, there’s nothing better than getting together in your dorm or a park, grabbing some snacks, and working through the topics together. Study groups can be informal and casually organised but can be highly bonding and rewarding gatherings.
Volunteering
Helping others is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so around college. Consider what kind of community service or volunteering experience would allow you can make the most impact. There are various options, such as litter picking, conservation work, assisting groups like the elderly or disabled, research projects, or fundraising for charity. Also, consider volunteering in college for an organization close to your heart or means a lot to you.
Fun Activities for College Students: Conclusion
Always remember to balance these fun activities with your academic responsibilities to ensure that your college experience is as successful as it is enjoyable. College is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and for many people, it’s the last hurrah before a life of work. Therefore, it’s important to enjoy yourself during your college years and create lasting memories and friends for life. The above fun activities for college students are ways that you can achieve this while also focusing on your learning and perhaps even making extra cash on the side. These activities are truly a win-win and will make your educational experience a wonderful time that you will never forget. For more ideas, check out things to do during winter break.
