When we think of social hobbies, we often imagine team sports, club nights, or group events. But many of the things we do alone – like reading, writing, walking, or even gardening – can become meaningful shared experiences with just a little creativity. In this blog, Lara Toffanello, President of the University of Reading Book Society, shares how reading has become a vibrant social activity for her. We’ve also included a few more ideas for turning traditionally solo hobbies into something social – perfect for finding connection in the quieter corners of student life.
Benefits of engaging in social hobbies
Spending time alone can be comforting and restorative, but we also thrive on connection. The Mental Health Foundation states that ‘being part of a community can make life feel more meaningful and enjoyable, help us feel happier and safer, and improve our mental health.’
For Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, the theme is community — and that’s a perfect reminder that even our most personal or quiet hobbies can become gateways to connection. Turning solitary activities like reading into shared experiences can help us feel more seen, more supported, and more joyful.
How can reading be a social hobby? – Lara’s experience
Reading is often seen as a solitary hobby, but it’s becoming an increasingly social and connected activity – particularly thanks to the growth of BookTok, BookTube and Bookstagram since the pandemic – and one that can easily provide so many new connections.
Bringing readers together at UoR
At the University of Reading Book Society, which I have proudly been President of for 2024-5, we love finding creative new ways to bring readers together. This has included a monthly book club, reading sessions at locations such as Café Nero and Harris Garden, book-to-screen adaptation nights, formal dinners, arts and crafts evenings (including bookmark decorating and fantasy map drawing), pub quizzes, and much more. Even just finding people to read with, to motivate you to finally finish the book you started months ago, can bring so much joy.
Digital Tools to Connect Through Reading
Readers can become locked into their own little worlds of escapism, but finding a space to discuss what you are reading is becoming easier and easier through spaces such as Bookstagram, a community I have been proudly part of for nearly 4 years, and book clubs. Additionally, apps like Goodreads and Storygraph are a fantastic way to set yearly reading goals, read other people’s reviews, and hold yourself accountable to your goals. I love using them to read reviews to help me decide what to buy next. The UoR Book Society uses a fantastic app called Fable which hosts thousands of virtual book clubs, so it is easy to find and join ones which align with your genre interests (and is completely free!).
Bookish Events in Reading
Furthermore, as a Book Society we love to promote and attend local events – Waterstones Reading regularly hosts brilliant and affordable events such as author interviews and book launches. As a society, we have attended the launch for Sunrise on the Reaping and an interview between Jennifer Saint and Emilia Hart, so always keep an eye on events in your local areas.
Social and affordable
So, reading can most definitely be a social hobby – we adore heated discussions about what we liked and didn’t like – and it can also be an affordable one. You can make use of your local library, download the Kindle app on your phone/iPad etc and buy the 99p deals each month, use second-hand sites such as World of Books and AbeBooks, search charity shops, and find amazing deals at The Works. Come and join our society and get reading!
Can other solitary hobbies be social?
While reading is a perfect example of a hobby that feels solitary but has a thriving community around it, there are lots of other solo hobbies and activities that can become more social with just a little effort or creativity. Here’s some ideas:
- Creative Writing: Join a local writing group, take part in creative writing workshops, or share your work online through platforms like Wattpad or Substack. The Universtiy’s Creative Writing Society is inactive, but why not restart it and meet other students who love putting pen to paper?
- Walking or Running: These solo habits can be made social by joining a running or walking group, a society or a local Parkrun.
- Gardening or Houseplant Care: Join Reading University Gardening Society, a local group or an online community.
We’d love to hear from you!
Do you have a hobby that’s usually seen as solitary that you’ve found a way to make social? Maybe you’ve joined a group, started a conversation, or simply found someone who shares your interest. Let us know in the comments!