34 Cheap Hobbies for College Students
Looking for fun and inexpensive ways to fill your free time? We’ve rounded up the 34 best cheap hobbies for college students to give you all the inspo. From drawing to podcasting and volunteering, there’s something for everyone and every budget.
What are the best cheap hobbies for college students?
The best cheap hobbies for college students are low-cost, easy to start, and fun to do with friends, like hiking, journaling, book clubs, drawing, volunteering, yoga, and game nights. The best hobby is the one you’ll actually do consistently.
Taking advantage of your college years to explore yourself and your interests is super important — in fact, it might be one of the most important things you can do during this special time of your life.
The best way to do that? Exploring different hobbies and activities!
Not only will it help to expand your mind and challenge your body, but it’s also a great way to meet new people and develop self-awareness and confidence.
We’ve rounded up the best hobbies for college students that don’t require a ton of equipment or training to keep costs low without sacrificing on fun.
So without further ado, let’s dive into this list of 34 cheap hobbies for college students.
Not sure what kind of hobby you’ll actually stick with? Start here: ADHD-friendly hobbies that boost dopamine & focus.
Table of Contents
- Why Hobbies Matter in College
- 34 Cheap Hobbies for College Students
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Why Hobbies Matter in College
One of the most formative aspects of college life is figuring out who you are. A great way to get to know yourself better is by figuring out what you like to do. Whether for work or in your free time, filling your life with enriching activities is essential for living a happy and fulfilling life.
That’s why college is the perfect time to start exploring your passions by trying out a variety of hobbies. Most college students don’t have a ton of money to spend on these kinds of activities; that’s why we’ve put together this list of 34 inexpensive hobbies.
From making new friends to experiencing personal growth and even having a positive impact on your community, hobbies are an excellent way to enrich all aspects of your life.
So here’s your sign to get out of your comfort zone and try something new! You never know; it might become one of your life’s biggest passions!
34 Cheap Hobbies for College Students
Cheap Creative Hobbies
1. Creative Writing
Creative writing is a totally free hobby that you can do just about anywhere, and it’s great for exploring your creative side and enhancing your communication skills. All you need is your phone or laptop, or if you prefer a more analogue approach, then a notebook and pen.
2. Drawing & Sketching
There are so many ways that you can explore your artistic side with drawing and sketching. From doodling to figure drawing and even adult coloring books, there are so many ways you can express yourself by putting pen to paper. Keep costs low by shopping at your local dollar store or even using digital drawing apps.
3. DIY Crafts
Getting crafty is such a fun and rewarding way to pass the time. From scrapbooking to paper mache and jewelry making, there are so many options available. Get creative to source inexpensive supplies or even recycle things you already have.
4. Photography
Photography is a super fun and practical hobby that you can take with you anywhere. Almost everyone has a camera on their phone, so it takes no additional equipment to get started. Plus, your college may offer camera rental for free, so it’s worth checking out what’s available to you.
5. Calligraphy
Calligraphy can be a totally meditative hobby that can come in handy in the future. All you need is a couple of calligraphy pens and some paper to get started, and there are tons of free YouTube videos with tutorials available online.
6. Cooking
You have to eat anyway, so why not turn cooking into a passion? Experiment with budget-friendly recipes and slowly build up your cooking skills until you’re ready to dive into traditional techniques or even cooking different cuisines.
7. Baking
Similar to cooking, baking is a practical hobby that can fill your home with delicious smells. Plus, it’s a great excuse to bring your friends together to try your latest creations. Keep things budget-friendly by shopping for supplies on Facebook Marketplace and shopping for ingredients at low-cost stores.
8. Knitting & Crocheting
There’s nothing more cozy than curling up for a nice little knitting or crocheting session. You don’t need many supplies, and there are so many free patterns and tutorials available online.
9. Upcycling
We all have old and unused possessions that are sitting around and taking up space. Make it your mission to transform them into something new! From empty bottles to cardboard and broken furniture, the possibilities are limitless.
10. Blogging/Vlogging
Whether you prefer to write or create videos, documenting your life is a fun and creative way to express yourself. Why not start a blog or even a YouTube vlogging channel?
Not sure where to start when it comes to painting and drawing? Paint-by-numbers kits can be a great entry point that takes all the overthinking out of the equation so you can focus on the meditative aspects of putting paint to paper.
Love cozy, low-cost creative hobbies? Try these wholesome grandma hobbies making a comeback.
Active & Physical Hobbies
11. Yoga
Not only is yoga amazing for your physical health, but it is also great for your mental health too. All you need is a yoga mat to get started. Explore all that YouTube has to offer until you find your favorite instructor.
12. Running
Perhaps the cheapest way to stay active, running is wonderful for your physical health and is a great hobby to start when you are young. If you keep it up, it’s an activity that can have so many positive benefits over the course of your lifetime.
13. Hiking
Did you know that spending even just 20 minutes outside can reduce stress and anxiety? Connect with nature, get some fresh air, and challenge your body at the same time by exploring local trails and parks. It’s a totally free physical activity that’s great for the mind and body.
14. Dancing
From ballroom to belly dancing, there are so many fun and unique ways to move your body. Your college may offer free or inexpensive dance classes, but if they don’t, you can always follow online courses to get started.
15. Strength Training
Looking for a new hobby that will benefit your life in all kinds of ways? It’s undeniable that strength training is good for your health, your physique, and your mind. Most colleges have a free gym accessible to students. Start with a simple routine and slowly build your way up to a full strength training program.
Personal Development & Intellectual Hobbies
16. Language Learning
Learning a foreign language is a great way to train your mind and enhance your communication skills. Nowadays, there are tons of free or inexpensive apps you can use to incorporate language learning into your daily routine. There are even apps like Tandem and HelloTalk that allow you to chat with native speakers. Plus, what a great excuse to book a trip to practice your new skills!
17. Coding
Looking for a cheap hobby that could make you money down the road? Similar to learning a new language, developing your coding skills is great for your brain and can prove to be a super valuable skill throughout your life. There are all kinds of free resources available online, and you can even gamify it by learning on platforms like Boot.dev.
18. Content Creation
The content creator economy isn’t going anywhere, it’s here to stay. Why not get an early start by developing skills like photography, video editing, and podcasting? If you enjoy sharing different aspects of your life, there are so many different mediums you can try, from blogging to YouTubing and podcasting.
19. Playing a Musical Instrument
While buying an instrument does require a little bit of an upfront cost, it’s an investment that can have returns for years to come. With all the free educational resources available, you can master playing a new instrument for free.
20. Podcasting
On the surface, podcasting can seem a little bit daunting, but all you need is your phone and an affordable microphone to get started. So whether you like sharing stories, interviewing people you admire, or just chatting with a friend, podcasting can be a super fun hobby.
Social & Community Hobbies
21. Volunteering
While it may not be the first hobby that comes to mind, volunteering is a great way to fill your spare time with purpose while helping others. Whether you prefer volunteering at your local animal shelter, women’s center, or soup kitchen, there are tons of options available, and it can also be a great way to meet new people!
22. Book Club
Joining or creating a book club is a great way to share your love of reading with those around you. It’s a simple way to meet people with similar interests in a low-stress, budget-friendly way. Rent books from the library to keep things totally free!
23. Game Nights
Hosting weekly or monthly game nights is a great way to gather your friends and spend a couple of hours engaging in friendly competition. Plus, there are tons of games available at libraries, thrift stores, and even for rent.
24. Join a Sports Team
One of the best things about being a college student is having access to all the built-in affinity and interest-related groups. Take advantage of this special time and join a sports team. It’s a great way to stay physically active and socialize at the same time. If it’s out of your comfort zone, you can always try to create a team with friends you already have in your circle.
Have you ever heard of the game Wavelength? Work in teams to get on the same wavelength and uncover someone’s true opinions on controversial matters. It will get your heart racing and you won’t be able to stop laughing.
Hobbies for Mental Health
25. Meditation
At this point, I’m gonna guess you’ve heard of meditation. It’s an ancient mindfulness practice that’s all about focusing on your breathing and learning to control your thoughts. It’s great for your mental health, proven to reduce stress, and is totally free.
26. Reading
While this may not be the most creative idea on this list of cheap hobbies for college students, reading is a wonderful way to relax your mind, escape to other worlds, and enjoy some peace and quiet. If you’re dreaming of more expensive hobbies like horseback riding or traveling, why not read a book about it instead? While it may not be as fun as the real thing, it’s a great way to experience those joys from the comfort of your own home (for free!)
27. Listening to Podcasts & Audiobooks
Reading not your thing? Why not give podcasts and audiobooks a try? At this point, there’s a podcast or audiobook on just about every topic you could imagine, and it’s also a fun way to multitask if you need to clean your room or do the dishes. Most podcasts are free, and libraries often allow you to rent audiobooks as well as hard copies.
28. Puzzles
If you feel like your mind is always moving a hundred miles a minute, you might enjoy the meditative practice of puzzles! From Sudoku to jigsaw puzzles, there are tons of options, and they are often available for free at libraries or for very cheap at dollar and thrift stores. It’s a great way to reduce stress while enhancing your problem-solving skills.
29. Spiritual Practice
If you feel disconnected from your spiritual side, there are tons of rewarding ways to explore your connection to a higher power. From prayer to attending church service or even meditation.
If you’re interested in exploring your inner world and passions, I highly recommend the Artist’s Way. It’s a guided journey designed to help you connect with your inner artist and greater purpose.
If your goal is stress relief and feeling more grounded, you’ll also love these self-care hobbies for mental health.
Hobbies to Make Extra Money
30. Freelance Writing
Did you know that you need very little qualifications to do freelance writing? With platforms like Fiverr and Upwork you can create a profile in minutes and get paid to write!
31. Social Media Management
Almost every type of business requires a social media presence these days, which means the demand for social media management is high. Companies look to the younger generations for their natural understanding of social media platforms, so you can easily pitch your skills and land a job that could make you some extra money while building your skillset.
32. Tutoring & Coaching
If you feel like you have a natural knack for something, why not help others? You can tutor or coach people in-person or online and earn some extra cash on the side.
33. Graphic Design Services
Do you like making logos, graphics, or presentations? You can easily sell these services on Etsy, Fiverr, or Upwork. Or even easier to friends and family in need of small projects.
34. Photography Services
Feel comfortable behind a camera? Offer to do family portraits, small photoshoots, or even drone footage in exchange for a competitive hourly rate. It’s a great way to start building up a portfolio that could become a full-time career or lucrative side hustle.
Still Not Sure Which Hobby Is Right For You?
We’ve created a fun little quiz to help you find the right hobby for you!
FAQ
There are so many free hobbies on this list of cheap hobbies for college students. From reading to drawing and sketching to dancing and meditation, there’s something for everyone!
Yes! Engaging in hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment is proven to reduce stress and anxiety in the long run. Finding what those are for you is a great way to set yourself up for success over the course of your life.
Nowadays, many employers want to hire individuals with a full life, so most hobbies will benefit your chance of getting hired because they make you a more interesting and engaging human being. However, hobbies with directly translatable skills, such as coding, podcasting, and content creation, can be particularly attractive in the job application process.
Final Thoughts
From outdoor activities to volunteer work and building language skills, there are so many inexpensive ways to participate in fun hobbies that can enrich your life and fill your free time with purpose and new passions.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the equipment or resources needed to try something new, get creative and seek out online resources, take advantage of your local library, and hunt through dollar and thrift stores to find what you need.
There’s no better time to get started than now, so get out there and have fun!
Happy hobbying,
A small note to my readers – Over here at VLHhealth, we occasionally include affiliate links in our posts. This means that if you purchase using our links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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