Abstract:
This study aims to investigate how 3000 level undergraduates spend their leisure time in the
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FoHSS) in the University of Ruhuna. The
objectives of the study are to explore the ways of spending leisure time, to find out the
preferences for the leisure activities and the most popular leisure activity among the 3000 level
undergraduates in the FoHSS at University of Ruhuna. The population of the study has covered
all 461 undergraduates of 3000 level in the FoHSS at University of Ruhuna. The simple random
sampling technique has been used to select the sample from the population of 461
undergraduates. The objective of this sampling method was to ensure that each undergraduate
student had an equal chance of being selected for the sample, thereby providing a representative
subset of the entire population. To achieve this goal, the random number generator procedure
in the Excel application was used. A qualitative approach was employed to collect primary data
from the sample, and a questionnaire was distributed to 210 undergraduates via WhatsApp.
But, only 194 undergraduate students had responded. To find out the answers for the research
questions, descriptive analysis techniques, such as tables and figures were used to analyze the
primary data, using Excel application. The findings highlighted a diverse range of leisure
activities in which undergraduates choose to invest their leisure time. These activities
encompassed both solitary and social pursuits. The results of the study revealed that
undergraduates are very fond of spending their leisure time using social media, such as
WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. Furthermore, this study revealed that
the undergraduates are gradually moving away from reading books and doing sports among the
ways they choose to spend their leisure time. Therefore, it is very important to take an action
to promote these activities. Otherwise, future graduates will become physically and mentally
degenerate. For better mental and physical health, encouraging reading and physical activity is
essential. Future graduates' wellbeing is put at risk if these tasks are neglected. Therefore,
effective leisure involvement can be encouraged through targeted initiatives.
