For college students consumed by books, notes, teachers and TigerMail, extracurricular hobbies are a great way to take off the edge and relax.
Auburn offers a variety of activities in which a student can get involved. From intramural sports to community outreach courses to huntin' and fishin', there are a lot of great activities in the area.
Carolyn Cohen, senior in economics, said she uses exercise as a de-stressor.
"I love the workout," Cohen said. "I have a membership at Gold's Gym and the Lady's Fitness Gym, but I also use the Student Act."
Cohen said she enjoys running outside as well, and working out is her escape from her hectic school work.
"I like taking a variety of classes," Cohen said. "I take step, body pump, spinning and boot camp. I never get bored with any workout routine, so I like to switch it up."
Cohen said she is addicted to working out.
"It really eases my stress," Cohen said. "That's probably one of the reasons I'm so addicted. I feel lucky that we have such a beautiful campus and that Auburn has so many great resources. Try running the ramps in the old coliseum -- that's a workout!"
Cohen is not the only one who uses her hobby as a way to get away from schoolwork.
Francis Aihe turns to music.
Aihe, senior in political science, said when he finds time away from his studies, he writes and raps songs. His artist name is "Young I.E."
Many of Aihe's songs can be found on YouTube.
"When I was younger I was always around music so I would imitate my favorite artists, like Michael Jackson and Will Smith for example," Aihe said. "I have a couple friends that do music as a hobby too, and the funny thing is, it's slowly but surely becoming serious, which I don't have a problem with."
Aihe said he spends up to 30 plus hours a week on music and finds most of his time in the morning.
He said his senior year has given him more time to focus on things outside of school.
For other students interested in things outside of music and exercise, stores like Hobby Lobby and Hobby Town USA, both located in the Auburn/Opelika area, offer a wide array of options for people with other interests.
Steve Ziegler, an employee at Hobby Town USA on Opelika road, said the hottest hobby product right now is helecopter toys.
There are several radio controlled products at Hobby Town.
"40 percent of our sales come from our radio controlled products," Ziegler said. "We have cars, trucks, boats, helicopters. The helicopters range from $100 and up. Our prices are good," Ziegler said.
Hobby Lobby has a variety of art projects for people interested in activities such as scrapbooking, while Hobby Town USA carries several leisure activities from scale models to railroad tracks and radio control toys.
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