When was the last time you tried a hobby that didn’t involve your phone or a deadline? Between doing assignments and keeping up with group projects, it’s easy to forget about creative hobbies. But finding something fun and creative to do outside of class isn’t just a nice break, it can really boost your mood, help you make new friends, and make campus life way more fulfilling. In this article, we’ll break down three simple steps to figure out which creative hobbies suit you best, share some ideas to get you inspired, and point you toward student clubs where you can dive right in!
“The world is but a canvas to our imagination.”
Henry David Thoreau
How to find your creative hobby
1. Explore different options
Singing and dancing
Can anyone learn to sing? The answer is yes. According to vocal experts, anyone can learn it with enough practice and the right technique. If you’ve ever wanted to sing more confidently (even if it’s just at karaoke night with friends), check out this complete beginner’s guide with 8 simple steps to help you get the most out of your voice.
Have you ever listened to an upbeat song or even elegant classical music that makes you want to move your body? Well, dancing is the best way to release all that energy and be physically active. We don’t always have to learn dancing in studios, the large number of online videos and communities can support us, like this RedBull guide if we want to learn a few dance moves at home.
Drawing, colouring, and painting
Recently, I’ve come across instagram reels of people bringing a small sketchbook everywhere they go. When they found a beautiful spot, they’d take the time to slow down, sit, and start sketching the view in front of them. What a joy to be able to capture beautiful moments just the way you see it from your eyes! There’s so many online tutorials that teach sketching basics, like this ‘Learn To Draw’ series by Schaefer Art. You can also explore colouring and painting if you enjoy bringing colours to life!
Origami
You can bring a few origami papers in your bag and fold something cute whenever you’re bored in the train or want a quick break from studying. If you want to find easy step-by-step guides, Origami.me has 113 origami models that are fun to fold and satisfying to finish. Fold at your own pace and who knows you might end up with a collection of origami croissants and crabs!
More options
Other creative activities can include journaling and scrapbooking, knitting ad crocheting, photography, and endless DIY projects! Explore more here.
2. Discover which activity makes you the happiest
There are so many more creative activites that you can try even if you think it doesn’t sound very interesting because you never know what will become your new passion! It’s also perfectly fine to try a new activity and decide that you don’t really like it. Find an activity that makes you happy and can help you relax or feel excited every day!
3. Learn more about it and develop a hobby
Once you found an activity you enjoy, you can dive further and learn more about it by reading books, going online, or even joining student clubs. UNSW College has amazing student clubs that can support your hobbies and help you thrive together in a supportive community. There’s K-pop club, photography club, music club and many more that you can sign up through the Current Students Website. What are you waiting for?
This wraps up the simple steps you can follow to find yourself a creative hobby! Creative hobbies are more than just having fun. As a studyby Jean-Berluche in 2024 points out, creative activities can actually give you a healthy way to release emotions, help you process overwhelming feelings, and, when shared with others can bring a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and belonging that’s essential for thriving at college!
