Matt, if you are looking at the manhole covers and gratings as you walk round college, you are missing everything else, the walls, the sky, the other people. People watching is one of my favourite occupations, and I can do it for hours!!!
I went to Occupational Therapy college when I left school, and found all the craft classes rather boring, or difficult. But I did learn the skills. I have never lost them, and 30 years later I run a craft group, and spend a lot of time making and doing things. I consider it daisy picking.
Cheers, Bron.