10 Things to Try at University Besides Studying
10 Things to Try at University Besides Studying
University is about much more than lectures, deadlines, exams and assignments. It’s also a time to discover new interests, meet different people, explore new places and experience things you might never have considered before.
Yet it’s surprisingly easy to fall into a routine. You go to class, study, head home, catch up with friends and repeat the same schedule the following week.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but university offers plenty of opportunities beyond your study programme. And some of the experiences you’ll remember most might have very little to do with what you learn in a lecture hall.
Whether you’re just starting university or already halfway through your degree, here are ten things worth trying to make your student years a little more interesting.
1. Try a Hobby You’ve Never Considered Before
When was the last time you tried something completely new?
University is a great opportunity to experiment with different hobbies without feeling the need to become particularly good at them. Try photography, pottery, dancing, cooking, climbing, painting or learning a musical instrument.
You might discover a passion you didn’t know you had. Or you might decide it’s not for you. Both are perfectly fine.
The best part? Many hobbies are also a great way to meet people who share similar interests.
2. Explore the City You Study In
It’s easy to spend most of your time moving between campus, your accommodation and the supermarket. Before you know it, you’ve been living somewhere for months without really getting to know the place.
Make an effort to explore your city.
Visit neighbourhoods you’ve never been to, find a favourite coffee shop, discover local markets, check out independent restaurants or spend an afternoon exploring somewhere without a particular plan.
You don’t need an expensive day out to discover something new. Sometimes, simply taking a different route home can lead you to places you would otherwise never have found.
And if you’re studying in a new city, getting to know your surroundings can make it feel much more like home.
3. Join a Sports Team or Try a New Activity
You don’t have to be particularly athletic to enjoy sports. Joining a university sports club, trying a group fitness class or organising a casual football match can be a fun way to get active and meet new people.
Think beyond the usual options, too. Try padel, badminton, volleyball, yoga, running or even a beginner’s climbing session.
Many universities have sports associations and facilities that offer affordable opportunities for students.
And if joining a team feels like too big a step, start with a single activity. You never know who you might meet along the way.
4. Attend an Event Outside Your Usual Circle
University life is full of events, but how often do you attend something that isn’t directly related to your course or existing group of friends?
Look for guest lectures, cultural festivals, networking evenings, student events, workshops, film screenings or live music.
You might discover an interesting topic, learn something unexpected or simply have a good evening.
Try attending something that isn’t necessarily your usual type of event. You don’t have to know anyone beforehand, and you don’t need a particular reason to go.
Sometimes, the most interesting experiences start when you step outside your familiar surroundings.
5. Learn a New Language
Knowing another language can open doors to new experiences, friendships and opportunities.
Whether you want to learn Spanish before travelling, improve your English or explore a language spoken by international students on your campus, getting started can be surprisingly rewarding.
Look for language exchange groups, conversation evenings or informal meetups where students practise together.
You don’t need to become fluent. Even learning a few phrases can make it easier to connect with people from different backgrounds.
And who knows? Your next conversation might turn into a friendship.
6. Cook and Share a Meal With Others
Cooking together is one of the simplest ways to bring people together.
Invite your housemates, classmates or a few people you’ve recently met to prepare dinner. Everyone can bring an ingredient, suggest a dish or introduce something from their home country.
You could organise an international dinner where everyone prepares something typical from their culture.
It doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive or particularly well organised. The experience is often more enjoyable when everyone gets involved.
And if the food doesn’t turn out quite as expected, at least you’ll have something to laugh about.
7. Take a Weekend Trip Somewhere New
You don’t have to wait for summer holidays to explore somewhere different.
A weekend trip can be a great way to break your routine, discover new places and create memories with friends.
Explore another city, visit a nearby country, go hiking, spend a day at the beach or take a spontaneous train journey.
Travelling as a student doesn’t necessarily require a big budget. Look for student discounts, affordable transport and destinations within easy reach.
Sometimes, a short trip can give you the feeling of a much-needed holiday without taking much time away from your studies.
8. Volunteer for Something You Care About
University isn’t just about developing yourself academically. It’s also an opportunity to contribute to something beyond your own everyday life.
Consider volunteering at a local organisation, helping at events, supporting a community initiative or getting involved in a cause that matters to you.
You could help organise a charity event, support an environmental project or spend time working with people in your local community.
Apart from making a positive contribution, volunteering can introduce you to people with different backgrounds and perspectives.
It’s also a good reminder that being part of a community means more than simply being surrounded by people.
9. Start Something of Your Own
Have you ever had an idea for a project, event or initiative but never actually done anything with it?
University can be a great time to turn that idea into something real.
Start a small student community, organise a themed dinner, create a photography project, launch a podcast, set up a book club or organise an activity around something you’re passionate about.
You don’t need a large budget, a perfect plan or dozens of participants to get started.
Sometimes, all it takes is one idea and a few people willing to get involved.
You might develop new skills, discover interests you didn’t know you had or create something that brings other students together.
10. Say Yes to More Spontaneous Plans
Not every experience needs to be planned weeks in advance.
Sometimes, the best moments happen when someone asks if you want to grab a coffee, join a last-minute trip, attend an event or try something completely unexpected.
Of course, you don’t have to say yes to everything. Your time, energy and personal boundaries matter, too.
But if you find yourself automatically turning down invitations because you’re comfortable with your usual routine, perhaps it’s worth occasionally doing something different.
A little spontaneity can make student life more exciting, introduce you to new people and lead to experiences you wouldn’t have planned yourself.
It’s About More Than Your Degree
Your time at university is an opportunity to do more than work towards a qualification.
It’s a chance to discover what you enjoy, develop new interests, explore different perspectives and meet people who might become an important part of your life.
You don’t need to do all ten things on this list. You don’t need to have a packed social calendar or make every day an adventure.
Start with one thing that interests you. Try something you’ve always wanted to do, explore somewhere new or accept an invitation you might normally turn down.
And remember: you don’t have to wait for the perfect opportunity or the right group of friends to get started.
Your student years are what you make of them. So why not make room for a few more experiences along the way?
At Studinty, we believe student life is about more than finding a place to study. It’s about discovering new experiences, connecting with people and finding your place along the way. Because the best parts of student life often happen outside the classroom.
