By Laura Molloy
As students get more settled into summer, your free time might start to seem less of a novelty and more like time that you’re not sure how to fill. For many students, summer is an exciting time filled with travel, internships, and possibly some scandalous situationships. Although, this isn’t true for every college student (and that’s okay). If you’re looking to mix things up this summer then here are three hobbies you might want to try.
1. Drawing
This is perhaps one of the cheapest hobbies there is. You most likely already have some pencils and paper floating around your room from college but if not they can be found very easily. Why not take yourself out on a solo date, pick a great view (Ireland is full of them afterall), and start sketching. Drawing can be really relaxing when you don’t have an art teacher hovering over your shoulder.
2. Reading
It doesn’t matter if the last book you read was Of Mice and Men for your Junior Cert, you can always start reading again at any age. Buying books regularly can start to add up (although it is good to support local bookstores), but don’t worry there are alternative options. Many charity shops stock big selections of books that are great quality for cheaper prices. You can also visit those things your teachers used to talk about called libraries (yes they still exist) and access shelves of titles for free!
3. Gaming
Many video games are filled with creative elements. Popular games such as Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and Minecraft lets users create and design their own digital worlds and spaces. If you don’t have access to a gaming console you can also play free video games on mobile devices and tablets. The app Roblox is an online gaming software that includes hundreds of free games to choose from.
And… if you really get into gaming then why not apply for the position of Games Editor at Oxygen.ie (it could be two hobbies in one).
If you are interested in applying then email some writing samples and a short bio about yourself to editor@oxygen.ie.