Ever wanted to learn how to fence?  Or how about yoga?  Or maybe underwater basket weaving is more your thing.

Most colleges offer some sort of physical education department, whether it's through classes or a gym that's open to all students.  There's almost always something for everyone.  And while they may not be free classes, they usually are much cheaper than classes offered outside the university.

For example, I am a scuba diver.  I love diving, and swimming in the ocean and seeing the fish.  And it's cheaper through the university to get certified than it is to go through another outside program.  If it fits into your schedule, try it out.  If it doesn't, there is always later.  Also, because UC Santa Cruz is a research university, I can get scientific diving certified!  This means I can use scuba to do research on the bottom of the ocean (or to a depth of 45 feet, whichever comes first)!  Outside the university system, this certification is not available, so I am trying to get it as soon as I can. 

But there are so many options of physical education!  My sister took a tae kwon do class, other people I know have taken dance classes, and even more options are available.  Want to learn how to cook?  Some physical education departments offer such classes, surprisingly enough.  Massage classes are also fairly popular.  Look for a department catalog to see what the physical education department offers.  Don't want to take a full class?  Some options are only for a weekend, or even just a day.  Can't find something you like?  Get a couple other people together and form a club.  Clubs sometimes can get placed in the catalogs as options to other students.  A couple of my friends formed a women's la crosse team, and they're in the catalog as a club to let other students know they can join.

There are so many options available, and it can be complicated, but participating in these classes can be some of the most rewarding experiences of your life.