Lana Oconnell
University students have a substantial amount of free time, with an average of 20 hours per week spent on leisure activities. During this critical period of transition to independence, students may engage in substance use, with alcohol, heavy drinking, and marijuana use being prevalent. However, when students spend their free time on campus participating in extracurricular activities or off-campus with family, they are less likely to engage in substance use. Students can fill their spare time with a variety of activities, including part-time work, socialising with friends, joining clubs or sports teams, volunteering, learning a new skill or hobby, travelling, or simply relaxing and treating themselves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Socialising with friends | Playing board games, watching TV, reading, going to bars, shopping, playing cards, etc. |
| Participating in extracurricular activities | Joining sports teams, clubs, student government |
| Part-time work | |
| Substance use | Alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes |
| Self-care | Physical, mental, spiritual |
| Learning a new skill | Learning a language, learning to cook |
| Travelling | |
| Volunteering | |
| Reading |
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What You'll Learn
Sports, clubs, student government
Sports, clubs, and student governments are all great ways for university students to spend their spare time and get involved in their community.
Sports
University sports teams offer a wide range of activities, from representative or performance sports at the varsity level to intramural sports and social and recreational sports. Universities try to keep Wednesday afternoons free from teaching so students can participate in sports. Universities also subsidize facilities, fund professional staff to manage facilities, and provide activity programs and services. There are also opportunities to take part in a wide range of 'lifestyle' or fitness activities, from Jazzercise to Pilates and working out in high-quality, affordable gyms.
Clubs
Joining a club is a great way to meet people with similar interests and get involved in the university community. There are often a variety of clubs to choose from, including academic, social, and recreational clubs. For example, the president of the Board Gamers Club at Cornerstone University also writes for personal projects, spends time with friends, and works as the director of communications for student organizations on campus.
Student Government
Student governments, also known as student unions, offer a platform for leadership development and engagement among students. They may be involved in planning school events, voicing student concerns to administration, and promoting school pride. Some student governments, such as the ASUC at UC Berkeley, operate independently from the university and manage their own budgets and legal defense. Student government budgets can range from a few thousand dollars to as high as $90 million.
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Part-time work
International students may face different rules and regulations regarding part-time work, so it's important to research these before starting a job hunt. Working part-time can also help students become more financially and generally independent, as they learn to manage their time, save money, and balance their social life.
Part-time jobs can also provide valuable work experience and help students discover their passions and career paths. Students can gain new skills, enhance their CVs, and develop their communication and problem-solving abilities. Working in bars, coffee shops, and restaurants are excellent ways to meet new people and expand one's social circle.
However, it's important to balance part-time work with academic studies and social life. Students should be realistic about their capacity to handle work and academics and manage their time effectively to prevent burnout.
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Learn a language
Learning a language is a great way to spend your spare time as a university student. It is a valuable skill to have and can be a lot of fun too. With the right strategies and tools, it is possible to achieve fluency in a foreign language without having to move to a foreign country or spend hours locked away with textbooks. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Microlearning: Break down your language learning into bite-sized chunks. Instead of long study sessions, try quick 5-10 minute bursts throughout the day. Review flashcards while waiting for the bus, practice pronunciation during your coffee break, or do a quick grammar lesson while your dinner is heating up.
Spaced Repetition: This technique involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to reinforce memory and retention. Many language-learning apps use this method, making it easy to learn new words and phrases while maximizing your spare time.
Gamification: Turn your language practice into a game! Challenge yourself with language learning apps that offer quizzes, puzzles, and interactive exercises. You can also create your own flashcards or use digital versions for on-the-go learning.
Immersion: Surround yourself with the language as much as possible, even when you're not actively studying. Listen to podcasts or music in the language you're learning, watch movies or TV shows, or read books and newspapers. This will help you improve your comprehension and get used to the flow of the language.
Temptation Bundling: Couple language learning with a tangible reward, also known as temptation bundling. For example, associate listening to language podcasts with walking outdoors to get some fresh air, or pair conversational practice with a fun social activity like a dinner or wine tasting.
Goal Setting: Set specific and measurable goals that are just out of your reach and make a plan to achieve them. Write down your goals and find a friend, relative, or teacher to cheer you on and help you stay committed.
Remember, learning a language is a journey, and it takes time and consistent practice to become fluent. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your small wins, and enjoy the process of discovering new words, grammar, and cultures.
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Socialising with friends
Students can also socialise by playing board games, as seen with the president of the Board Gamers Club at Cornerstone University, who enjoys spending time with friends outside of work. Other social activities include watching movies or TV shows, reading, playing cards, or doing assignments together. Some students may also enjoy going out to the student bar or exploring the city, trying new foods, and attending concerts or shows.
Socialising can also be combined with hobbies, such as learning a new skill together or engaging in physical activities like running or playing a sport. Students can also socialise while volunteering or working part-time, which can add value to their CVs and provide an opportunity to meet new people.
It is important to note that socialising can impact students' mental and behavioural health, and there is a link between leisure activities and substance use. Therefore, spending time with family or in substance-free environments may be beneficial in reducing substance use among students.
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Visiting family
University life can be exciting, but it can also be challenging and overwhelming for students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend university. Visiting family during spare time can be beneficial for students in several ways. Firstly, it allows students to reconnect with their loved ones and strengthen family bonds. They can share their university experiences, seek support, and obtain a sense of familiarity and stability within the family unit.
Additionally, family visits provide an opportunity for students to gain perspective and receive guidance. For instance, first-generation university students may involve their families in deciding where to attend university and how often they will visit during term time. This involvement ensures that the family is introduced to the university environment together, and it helps to ease the transition for the student.
Furthermore, visiting family can offer a sense of comfort and security. Students may seek advice, discuss concerns, and gain emotional support from their family members. This can be especially important for students facing challenges or feeling overwhelmed by their new independence.
Family visits also provide an opportunity for students to contribute to their family's well-being. They can offer assistance, share their knowledge, and spend quality time with their younger siblings, cousins, or other family members. This contributes to a sense of belonging and can foster stronger family connections.
Overall, visiting family during spare time allows university students to nurture their relationships, seek and offer support, and maintain a sense of balance in their lives. It is a valuable way to stay connected, gain perspective, and strengthen the bond with their loved ones back home.
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Frequently asked questions
University students have a wide range of activities they can do in their spare time. Some of the most common activities include:
- Socialising with friends
- Participating in extracurricular activities, such as sports teams or clubs
- Working part-time or volunteering
- Learning a new skill or hobby, such as cooking or a language
Having spare time as a university student is important for both academic and personal development. It allows students to explore new interests, develop essential skills, and build meaningful relationships outside of their academic pursuits.
University students can make the most of their spare time by getting involved with their community, whether through joining clubs or participating in student government. They can also use this time to work on personal growth, such as learning a new language or developing cooking skills.
Yes, researchers have found associations between leisure activities and substance use among university students. However, when students spend their free time in substance-free environments, such as engaging in family time or extracurricular activities, they are less likely to engage in substance use.
