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Exciting Hobbies for Loughborough University Students in 2024

Article writen by: Abby
15 January 2024

Introduction: Embracing New Interests at Loughborough

For students at Loughborough University, diving into new hobbies is a fantastic way to enrich your university experience. Whether you're living in Loughborough student accommodation or exploring the town, there's a world of activities to discover. From creative arts to physical fitness, these hobbies can enhance your skills, provide relaxation, and foster a sense of community among fellow students.

1. Joining University Clubs and Societies

Loughborough University offers a diverse array of clubs and societies for students to join, catering to a wide range of interests and hobbies. Here are some types of clubs and societies you might find:

  • Sports Clubs: Including football, rugby, swimming, athletics, and more, known for excellence in sports.
  • Academic Societies: Linked to specific departments, offering academic support and career-related events.
  • Cultural and International Societies: Celebrating diverse cultures, providing a platform for cultural exchange.
  • Arts and Performance Societies: Focused on music, dance, drama, fine arts, etc.
  • Media and Publications: Involving university radio, television, newspapers, and other media forms.
  • Charity and Volunteering Societies: Focused on charitable work and community service.
  • Special Interest Societies: Covering a wide range of hobbies from debating to chess, and environmental activism to coding.
  • Faith and Religious Societies: Providing support and fellowship for various religious backgrounds.
  • Enterprise and Career Societies: Aimed at fostering entrepreneurial skills and career development.
  • Well-being and Lifestyle Societies: Promoting health, wellness, and balanced lifestyles.
  • Political and Advocacy Groups: For engaging with politics, debate, and current issues.
  • Adventure and Outdoor Societies: Organizing activities like hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking.
  • Technology and Gaming Societies: For tech enthusiasts and gamers.
  • LGBTQ+ Societies: Offering a supportive community for LGBTQ+ students.

For the most current list and detailed information, refer to Loughborough University's official website or the Students' Union page.

2. Exploring the Outdoors Around Loughborough

The area surrounding Loughborough is rich in natural beauty, making outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or even bird watching great options. These activities offer a refreshing break from your studies and a chance to explore the local landscape.

3. Creative Arts and Craft Workshops

Look for workshops or classes offered either on campus or in local Loughborough venues. Activities like pottery, painting, or digital art can be both therapeutic and a fun way to express your creativity.

4. Fitness and Sports at Loughborough University

Loughborough University is renowned for its sports facilities. Engaging in physical activities, whether it's joining a gym, taking part in team sports, or attending fitness classes, helps maintain a healthy lifestyle and can be a great social outlet.

STudents at Loughborough University playing musical instruments

5. Exploring Music and Performing Arts

Loughborough and its university are home to vibrant music and performing arts scenes. Whether you're interested in learning an instrument, joining a choir, or participating in theater productions, there are numerous opportunities to explore your artistic talents.

Students at Loughborough University cooking food in shared kitchens

6. Culinary Adventures in Shared Kitchens

Take advantage of the communal kitchens in Loughborough student accommodation to experiment with cooking. Collaborate with housemates to prepare international dishes, host potlucks, or even organize cooking competitions.

7. Photography and Filmmaking

With its picturesque campus and vibrant town life, Loughborough provides ample inspiration for photography and filmmaking enthusiasts. Capture the beauty of your university years, develop your skills, and perhaps even contribute to student media.

8. Volunteering and Community Service

Engage in volunteering opportunities within Loughborough. This can range from community projects to university-led initiatives, allowing you to give back to the community and gain valuable experiences.

Loughborough Students University doing yoga

9. Mindfulness and Well-being Activities

Focus on your mental health by engaging in mindfulness and well-being activities. Yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops are available around the university and can be a great way to de-stress and meet new people.

10. Language Learning and Cultural Exchange

With its diverse student body, Loughborough University is the perfect place to learn new languages and engage in cultural exchange. Join language clubs or tandem learning programs to enhance your language skills and global awareness.

11. DIY and Upcycling Projects

Engaging in DIY and upcycling projects is not only a creative outlet for students but also a practical way to personalize their living spaces and make sustainable choices. At Loughborough University, where students often seek ways to make their accommodation feel more like home, these projects can be both fun and rewarding:

  1. Personalizing Your Space: DIY projects allow you to add a personal touch to your room or shared areas in student accommodations. This could involve simple crafts like creating photo collages, customizing bulletin boards, or painting canvases to hang on the walls.
  2. Upcycling Old Furniture: Instead of buying new furniture, consider giving a new life to old pieces. With a bit of creativity, items like chairs, desks, or shelves can be transformed with paint, new fabric, or other decorations. This approach is cost-effective and adds a unique charm to your living space.
  3. Eco-friendly Decor: Upcycling is a great way to reduce waste. Repurpose items like glass jars into vases, tin cans into pencil holders, or old t-shirts into throw pillows. These projects contribute to a sustainable lifestyle and offer the satisfaction of creating something stylish and functional.
  4. Collaborative Projects: Working on DIY projects with fellow students can be a great bonding experience. Organize a crafting day in your accommodation's common area where everyone brings items to upcycle and shares ideas. It's a fun way to collaborate, learn new skills, and beautify your shared living space.
  5. Handmade Gifts: DIY projects can also be an opportunity to create personalized gifts for friends and family. Handmade items carry a special meaning and can be tailored to the recipient's tastes and preferences.
  6. Skill Development: Regularly engaging in DIY and upcycling helps in developing various skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and even basic carpentry or sewing skills. These skills can be beneficial in many areas of life, including future career paths.

By incorporating DIY and upcycling projects into their hobbies, Loughborough University students can enjoy a creative outlet that enhances their living spaces, encourages sustainable practices, and fosters community engagement.

12. Gardening and Green Initiatives

Participate in gardening clubs or green initiatives on campus or in your accommodation. It’s a fulfilling way to contribute to sustainability efforts and enjoy time outdoors.

Conclusion: A World of Hobbies Awaits at Loughborough University

Embarking on new hobbies as a student at Loughborough University opens doors to learning, personal growth, and building connections. Whether you're living in halls of residence or private accommodation, there's no shortage of activities to explore. Embrace these opportunities to make your university years at Loughborough not only academically fruitful but also rich in experiences and personal development.

What are good student hobbies?

Good student hobbies are activities that not only provide relaxation and enjoyment but also contribute to personal growth, skill development, and social interaction. Here are some ideal hobbies for students, especially those at universities like Loughborough.

How many hobbies are ideal for students?

The ideal number of hobbies for students varies based on individual schedules and academic responsibilities, but generally, one to three hobbies is manageable. Here are some considerations:

  • Balancing Time: Ensure hobbies fit comfortably into your schedule without impacting study time.
  • Variety and Interest: A mix of hobbies catering to different interests can provide a well-rounded experience.
  • Quality over Quantity: Focus on deeply engaging in a few hobbies rather than spreading yourself too thin.
  • Personal Growth and Relaxation: Choose hobbies that contribute to personal growth and provide relaxation.
  • Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust the time spent on hobbies based on your academic workload.

The ideal number of hobbies should be based on what feels enjoyable and sustainable, allowing for both personal development and academic success.

What is the five hobbies rule?

The five hobbies rule is a concept that suggests having five different hobbies for a balanced and fulfilling life. This rule typically categorizes hobbies into five types, each serving a unique purpose:

  • A hobby that makes you money: A hobby that can generate income, turning a passion into a side hustle.
  • A hobby to keep you in shape: A physical activity that promotes health and fitness, like sports or exercise.
  • A hobby to keep you creative: An artistic or creative hobby to express yourself, such as painting, writing, or crafting.
  • A hobby to build knowledge: An intellectually stimulating hobby, like reading, learning a new language, or studying a particular subject.
  • A hobby just for fun: An activity purely for enjoyment and relaxation, with no goal other than personal pleasure.

This rule encourages a well-rounded approach to hobbies, ensuring that they contribute to different aspects of personal development, well-being, and life satisfaction.

Should students have a hobby?

It is highly beneficial for students to have a hobby. Hobbies provide a range of advantages that contribute to a student's overall well-being and development:

  • Stress Relief: Hobbies offer a break from academic pressures, reducing stress and promoting mental health.
  • Skill Development: Many hobbies help in developing new skills, which can be useful both academically and in future careers.
  • Social Interaction: Group hobbies or club activities provide opportunities for socializing and building connections.
  • Personal Fulfillment: Pursuing interests outside of academics contributes to personal growth and fulfillment.
  • Time Management: Balancing hobbies with academic responsibilities can improve time management skills.

Overall, having a hobby can enhance a student's university experience, offering an outlet for relaxation, personal expression, and the development of a range of skills.

Can a hobby develop creativity?

Engaging in hobbies can significantly contribute to the development of creativity. Here's how:

  • Exploring New Ideas: Hobbies encourage exploring and experimenting with new ideas, which is a key aspect of creative thinking.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Many hobbies involve solving problems in innovative ways, enhancing creative thinking skills.
  • Freedom of Expression: Hobbies provide a platform for free expression, allowing individuals to explore and develop their unique creative voice.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Pursuing hobbies, especially those that involve interacting with others, can expose individuals to different perspectives, further stimulating creativity.
  • Stress Reduction: Engaging in hobbies can reduce stress, creating a more conducive mental environment for creative thought.

Whether it's through artistic hobbies, crafting, writing, or even technical projects, hobbies can unlock creative potential and foster innovative thinking.