The Value Of Hobbies & Past Times by Maria Lupu

I’ve realised how important it is to find the right balance between studying and taking care of yourself. University life can be intense, and it’s easy to feel like every hour should be spent on coursework or revision. But honestly, having hobbies and pastimes outside of lectures has been just as valuable for me.

Whether it’s picking up something creative like drawing or music, joining a sports club, or even just going for regular walks, these little moments of “switching off” give your mind the reset it needs.

I’ve found that when I dedicate time to hobbies, I actually come back to my work with more focus and a fresh perspective.

For anyone who’s feeling guilty about spending time on activities outside of uni: don’t. Hobbies aren’t a waste of time, they’re part of staying healthy and grounded, especially in a subject like criminology where the topics we study can sometimes be heavy. 

My advice?

Try to find something that makes you feel recharged, not drained. For me, it's reading, which I enjoy doing whenever I’m free.

For you it might be gaming, journaling, or volunteering. What matters is giving yourself permission to enjoy your free time in a way that supports your wellbeing.

Having some activities to do in your free time can massively help when it comes to the stress we experience regularly, like meeting deadlines at work or university. Being detached for a moment can help you significantly bring new ideas and perspectives, which will also help the quality of your work.

So if you haven’t already discovered that one thing that you’d like to do in your free time, I'd recommend trying new things, until you find it!