How to Find a New Hobby: Top Hobby Ideas for Students

Written by: Helene Ausserwöger, 01.05.2025

As a student, there are times when you have a lot on your plate – exams, tests, papers, maybe even a part-time job. And yet, there are also phases when you suddenly have surprisingly much free time. That’s a good time to enjoy a hobby: relax, do something for yourself, recharge, or try something creative, sporty, or social.

Moreover, hobbies are not only a great balance to studying, but they can also boost your resume – as a sign of initiative, commitment, and diverse interests. In this blog, we’ll show you how to find a suitable new hobby and why it’s worth intentionally setting aside time for it.

Table of Contents:



The Importance of Hobbies for Students: More Than Just a Pastime

In the hectic day-to-day life of university, it’s easy to forget how important breaks and conscious downtime really are. And this is exactly where hobbies come in: They’re not just a pleasant way to pass the time, but also essential for your mental health. Whether you’re doing sports, listening to music, being creative, or getting lost in a book for hours: your mind gets a break from studying and is engaged in a different, more enjoyable way. This not only feels good, but also helps you develop a healthy study-life and later work-life balance in the long run.

Many hobbies also help you build soft skills, often without you even realizing it: teamwork in a sports club, endurance when learning an instrument, or creativity when drawing. Skills like these are not only helpful for university projects and group work but also make a great impression on your resume. Hobbies show that you have diverse interests, are passionate about what you do, and take time for yourself, which are exactly the kinds of qualities that matter in your future career.

Find a New Hobby: Discover What You Love

The perfect hobby usually doesn’t just fall into your lap – it often takes a bit of self-reflection or outside input to figure out what really suits you. Start by thinking about what you generally enjoy. Are you more on the sporty side, or does the thought of jogging make you want to run the other way? Do you love creative activities like painting, writing, or music, or does the idea of crafting, journaling, and sheet music already stress you out? It’s also important to consider how much time you can and want to dedicate to your hobbies. Some hobbies require regular commitment, while others can be picked up spontaneously.

If you don’t have any ideas yet, look for inspiration! Ask your friends what they like to do in their free time – maybe you’ll even want to try something new together. Social media, university groups, or current trends can also provide fresh ideas. The most important thing: just be brave and try something out!

Hobby Ideas for Students: From Traditional to Unconventional

You’re ready to start a new hobby but still need a little inspiration? No problem – in our hobby list, you’ll find plenty of ideas for students, whether you’re the creative, sporty, or laid-back type. From tried-and-true classics to some more unique activities, there’s something for everyone!

Sports Activities: Find a New Hobby to Keep You Fit

You want to burn off energy, reduce stress, and do something good for your health at the same time? Then a sports hobby is just the thing for you. Here are a few ideas:

  • Team sports (e.g., soccer, volleyball, basketball)
  • Jogging – here are some tips for beginner runners
  • Swimming
  • Dancing
  • Bouldering
  • Archery
  • Pole dancing
  • Fencing

STUWO Tip: Check out the USI courses in Vienna because they offer many of these sports at very affordable prices. And if you want something completely free, you can simply do home workouts or head out into nature!

Creative Outlets: Unleashing Your Artistic Talent

You love expressing yourself artistically or are looking for a creative outlet where you can truly be in your element? Then these hobbies might be just right for you:

  • Crocheting
  • Drawing
  • Writing (e.g., journaling, short stories, poetry)
  • Learning an instrument or making music in general
  • Upcycling projects
  • Photography
  • Filming & video editing
  • Fashion design

Community Engagement: Doing Good and Growing Personally

You want to make good use of your free time and give back at the same time? Social hobbies are not only fulfilling but also help develop empathy, a sense of responsibility, and teamwork skills – all important qualities for your future career. Here are a few ideas:

  • Mentoring or tutoring
  • Getting involved in student organizations
  • Volunteering at an animal shelter
  • Working as a paramedic (e.g., with the Red Cross)
  • Supporting a soup kitchen
  • Joining the volunteer fire department

STUWO Tip: Here you’ll find lots of organizations where you can get involved as a volunteer!

Travel and Exploration: Discovering New Places, Cultures, and Adventures

If you’re craving an escape and love experiencing new things, a travel-related hobby might be just the thing for you. Even on a small budget, there’s a lot to discover, sometimes a weekend trip is all it takes to clear your head.
Here are a few ideas:

  • Backpacking
  • City trips
  • Work & Travel programs
  • Running a travel blog (or documenting your trips on social media)

STUWO Tip: Check out our article to learn how to make the most of your trip even on a tight budget!

Technology and Gaming: Exploring Digital Worlds

You have a passion for tech, gaming, or everything digital? Then there are plenty of hobbies where you’ll not only have fun but also develop skills that could be super useful for your future career.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Learning to code
  • App development
  • Video editing & post-production
  • Gaming/eSports

Media and Entertainment: Inspiration through Films, Series, and Books

You love great stories, exciting characters, and creative worlds? Then a hobby in media and entertainment might be just the thing for you.
Here are a few ideas:

  • Filmmaking
  • Screenwriting
  • Writing plays
  • Writing stories
  • Starting or joining a book club
  • Launching your own podcast

Hobbies at Home: Ideas for Your Own Four Walls

Sometimes it’s just the cosiest to enjoy your new hobby right at home, without much effort or planning. To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a few ideas on how you can turn your home into your very own personal hobby space.

Culinary Hobbies: Enjoyment and Creativity in the Kitchen

Whether for relaxing, spoiling, impressing others, or simply because it’s delicious – culinary hobbies are perfect for anyone who loves trying new things and getting creative with food. And the best part: you can enjoy your creations right away (or share them with others)!
Here are a few ideas:

  • Cooking – here are some easy recipe ideas to start
  • Baking
  • Meal prepping
  • Food blogging
  • Barista skills (e.g., practicing latte art)
  • Creating cocktails

STUWO Tip: Why not turn your friends or family into your personal test subjects and invite them for a homemade dinner, coffee with creative milk foam, and freshly baked cake?

Relaxation and Mindfulness: Hobbies for Inner Peace

Between stressful university phases, sometimes you need a hobby that helps you truly unwind and provides a pleasant balance. Mindfulness and relaxation are key to finding inner peace in the hectic pace of daily life.
Here are a few ideas:

  • Yoga
  • Meditation – tips can be found here!
  • Journaling
  • Puzzles & brain games
  • Adult colouring books
  • Jigsaw puzzles

STUWO Tip: You can find more tips on how to bring more mindfulness into your everyday life here!

Languages and Further Education: Personal Growth from Home

You want to make the most of your time at home and maybe even learn something that will benefit you in the long run? Then hobbies centred around languages and further education are perfect for you.
Here are a few ideas:

  • Learning new languages
  • Online courses on topics that interest you
  • DIY projects (e.g., upcycling, crafting, building furniture – more inspiration can be found here)
  • Deepening your general knowledge or university knowledge (e.g., through documentaries, books, etc.)

Hobbies in Your CV: Which Hobbies Make a Good Impression

Hobbies on a resume might seem like a minor detail, but they can actually leave a positive impression when phrased strategically and professionally. They showcase personality, commitment, and sometimes even skills that could be valuable to an employer.

Instead of simply writing “sports” or “reading,” try to describe your hobby in a more specific and believable way. This not only makes it seem more authentic but also shows that you truly engage with the activity.

These hobbies are always well-received:

  • Baking: If you bake, you could even treat your colleagues to homemade brownies.
  • Reading: It might sound simple, but it often comes across as intellectual, especially if you specify what kind of books you enjoy.
  • Sports: Sports hobbies reflect discipline, commitment, and both physical and mental health.
  • Volunteering: Volunteering shows responsibility, social skills, and a willingness to help others, which always makes a good impression.
    Art / Creative activities: Artists often have a good eye for detail and are known for creative problem-solving.

Of course, there are also hobbies that might seem out of place on a resume. Avoid vague mentions like “sports,” “music,” or “watching movies,” as they don’t offer much insight. And, clearly, “chilling,” “Netflix,” or “sleeping,” even if truthful, should not make an appearance on your resume.

Conclusion

Finding a new hobby can sometimes be tricky, but that’s what makes it exciting. Be open to new things, try them out, and don’t be afraid to let go of activities that don’t turn out to be a good fit. The most important thing is to stay curious and give yourself the chance to discover something that truly excites you. Good luck in your search for your new hobby!

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