Not only does this allow students to support local businesses, but it also helps them stock up for the week. Tip:An event like this is a great chance to tap into the expert knowledge on your campus! Digitize your notes for easier review. Theres nothing like spending a night under the stars. Pajama parties are always a lot of fun, and theyre the perfect way to spend a night in. This is a great activity for mild or warmer fall and spring weather and is a great way to get students to exercise or to introduce new students to the entire campus. Would it appeal to the typical college-age demographic or is your ideal audience a little more specific? Sex plays a big role in campus culture, but that doesnt mean that talking about it is easy. Paint nights are always popular, and theyre a great way to get creative. Whether connecting people face-to-face or virtually, hosting poetry readings, mariachi lessons, or concerts, youve got a lot on your plate. Encourage students to meet and create their own teams. When planning your scavenger hunt, include a task that requires participants to ask five strangers to name their favorite thing about the school. Include a find the hidden talent challenge that encourages competitors to build bonds with other students by unlocking their unique skills. One simple way to do this is to organize a community-wide charity drive in a central, easy-to-access location. Create groups and promote events on Facebook, create catchy hashtags andfun photo opportunities for students to snap and post online. Encourage students to shop locally, eat healthy, and give them access to fresh, organic foods. Althea obtained two degrees in Visual Communication Design and Race . You can host this event in the student center, gym, or college quad. College events shape the social and intellectual fabric of your university. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Have art students sell their pieces to students for cheap dorm dcor and donate the money to . Nicole Booz is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of GenTwenty, GenThirty, and The Capsule Collab. For a refined take on the rowdy bar crawl, get your group to try a stimulating gallery crawl to check out the latest art, sculpture, and photography exhibits. Will it be sports games, strategy games, first-person shooter games, simulations, or a combination? Door decorating contests are perfect for students who love to be creative. With a great event idea, some creative promotion posters, strategic way-finding signs, and eye-catching event decor, students will quickly take notice and show up in droves. Creators who used Boost marketings tools saw 2.5x more listing views*. When starting out in a career, you want to get to know as many people as possible who share your interests, passions, and responsibilities. Coordinate with the Red Cross, a local hospital, or your university hospital to provide the necessary phlebotomists and equipment. Community gardens are a great way to get students involved in their community, and theyre perfect for students who love to garden. Schools should ensure that their digital connectivity is up to par by automating student communication, creating online hubs for assistance, and promoting social media use. Channel Coachella and create your ownmusic and arts festival on campus. College campuses are made for events like this! Teach students about the importance of public service, civic duty, and empower them to take an active role in their community. For instance, clean up a local beach or river, or raise awareness of a topic with a special event where all proceeds go to a cause. 3) Ask parents who own businesses that could donate. Trivia nights a classic test of useless (and sometimes useful!) 20. This will encourage even absolute beginners to show up and participate! Whether your school is a residential or commuter campus, events play a crucial role in college life. Be sure to provide all of the supplies students will need. Paint and sip event: Organize a paint and sip party for college students to try their hand at getting crafty. You can host a cultural celebration supporting music, art, food, and other entertainment. Pet therapy is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Formals and College Proms Throwing a grownup style prom party is an easy way to hook members of your college organization, plus spice up an end-of-semester celebration or award ceremony. Have participants dress in themed costumes for extra fun, or make it a fundraiser with pledges for laps completed. Donation drives are a fantastic way to bring the community together through a common goal of helping others in need. Be sure to have a variety of desserts for students to choose from. If your campus has a fall festival, take advantage of it! Tip:Remind attendees to bring their own exercise mats or beach towels, but be sure to make a few extra mats from your campus fitness facilities available to borrow. Amusement parks are always a lot of fun, and students will love the chance to get out and have some fun. You could partner with a local pet therapy organization. For many students, college can be an emotionally challenging time. Students who enjoy the outdoors, botany, or conservation will appreciate horticulture tours that showcase the unique biology of their college town. Host a community service fair to link students upwith local non-profit organizations, activist groups, and charities. Teach students about personal finance and how to budget their money. Take a night to do various arts and crafts projects. Let them experience the joy of classical music and admire the musicianship behind exquisite compositions. Be sure to have a lot of Christmas-themed games for students to play. Host tournaments for classic and online gamers. Create a membership committee to focus on new ways to bring in members. Bring in even more dough by lining up your bake sale with a major holiday or event, like Valentine's Day, Halloween, or an on-campus movie night. A festival combines a main activity or theme with events that might occur over a weekend or the course of days. After a countdown, encourage students to scream as loud as they can and release their stress together. Sleepover Movie Marathon You could even host a dorm room cooking class that shows students how to make restaurant-quality meals in their microwaves. Millennials love expressing their values online, but 80% of them feel itsessential for people to come together in person to promote positive change. You may be able to include local restaurants to participate. You can create online events for off-campus students by streaming TEDx to everyone at home or abroad. Students can wash cars to help raise money for a good cause. When Ashley isnt writing, shes delving into everything astrology, getting wrapped up in a book, or binging 90s sitcoms. With a campus-wide clothing swap, students can clear their dorm rooms of gently used and unworn clothing and maybe even find their new favorite t-shirt. Most campuses have your run-of-the-mill sports teams: basketball, baseball, soccer, football, etc. Host the town's local farmer's market on campus Alcohol-free happy hour Self-care forum Hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing Student Resources and First Year Students Open forum for first year students on what major they should choose First year student scavenger hunt Clothing swap Relaxation and Stress Relief Chair massage stations for students The first group to complete the list wins. A fun run is similar to a5K or marathon it emphasizes enjoyment instead of a serious race or competition. A drum circle is simply a group of people coming together to drum. it emphasizes enjoyment instead of a serious race or competition. Social events that do not have to do with the organization's core mission and enable people to get to mingle. Teach students how to cook their favorite dishes. Devotees attest to the therapeutic effects of drum circles, which are said to instill feelings of warmth and community. By supplying some traditional childhood slumber-party supplies, like boardgames and nail polish, students can keep themselves occupied even if they arent interested in watching. Its another great way to connect students with local businesses. Tip:By the end of the fundraiser, there will certainly be lots of extra paper cranes lying around! A food truck rally is always a lot of fun, and its perfect for students who love to eat. 53 Fun College Event Ideas Students Will Love and Share. For details on how to start a campus TEDx, visit the website. But with just a microwave and a bit of ingenuity, students can have a much more well-rounded diet without breaking the bank. Have participants dress in themed costumes for extra fun, or make it a fundraiser with pledges for laps completed. Offering virtual events can give those who cant make it to campus the chance to participate in campus life. Need more fun college event ideas? Appeal to what matters to students when attempting to attract them to events. Pro tip: quality sound equipment can really enhance the experience. STEP ONE: Assemble Your Committee. Contact your schools archery club about including a Robin Hood-inspired display of bow-and-arrow skills. But that doesnt mean your event cant be inspiring or rewarding in other ways, right? Promote diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality. Paint and sip events are always popular, and theyre a great way to get creative. You could either partner with a local meditation organization or have your own class. From RA-sponsored freshmen meet-and-greets to events organized by student groups, here are twelve versatile on-campus event ideas that college kids will love: First-year orientation week is one of the most exciting and nerve-wrecking parts of the college experience. People need more than one raffle ticket (one drawing per basket), so make more $ and sell them in bulk: 15 for $10. But youd be amazed at what you can whip up on a hot plate. Light up your campus for the holidays with a festive tree lighting ceremony. Super Smash Brothers, FIFA, and Call of Duty are fan favorites. Invite popular indie rock bands and hip-hop artists, and coordinate with the university art department about showcasing student works. Chinese New Year typically culminates in a lantern festival, with candles and lanterns lighting up homes and gardens or in this case, campus spaces. In a murder mystery game, one party guest is the designated murderer, and anyone could be the next victim. You might also include wraps, burritos, and gyros quick, flavorful meals that require only a few ingredients. Give students free 10 minute massages and the line will be out the door. A campfire is probably ill-advised, so try a portable electric cooker instead. For instance, clean up a local beach or river, or raise awareness of a topic with a special event where all proceeds go to a cause. Discover 14 of our favorite college event ideas 1. And, people love to watch competitors go head-to-head, whether theyre survivors on a TV-friendly island or athletes on a playing field. Get your own design on the t-shirts, or get a designer on board. El Cajon, CA 92020, Custom Frosted Glass Decals & Etched Glass Window Film, Digital & Graphic Design Trends of 2021 [Infographic], The Digital & Graphic Design Trends of 2020 [Infographic], 8 Gripping & Versatile Experiential Marketing Concepts [Infographic], 9 Creative Trade Show Booth Ideas [Infographic]. Google Art and Culture. Regularly invite former students back to meet and speak with current students. Organize a behind-the-scenes tour of a popular organization such as an amusement park, casino, or winery. What do you get with you combine English majors with the debate club? Ring in the new year with a bang by throwing a party on campus! Laughter is a great stress reliever, so comedys an ever-popular event choice for students loaded down with exams, jobs, and extracurricular activities. Location: Austin, TX. Creative alumni event ideas like this will provide laughs for players and non-players alike, and some of the revenue can be set aside as a scholarship fund or whatnot. Host a fundraiser with a casino theme including card games, roulette wheels, and slot machines but make sure to comply with local gambling regulations. Create imaginary monsters and adventurers, or pit Greek heroes like Perseus and Odysseus against creatures like Cyclops or Medusa. With more college kids playing video games on PCs or consoles like PlayStation or Xbox than ever before, a video game tournament can be a gamers fantasy. Students spend all day in lecture halls and seminars, so educational events encouraging participation will be more impactful. They also love fun things so anything that is free and fun is sure to be a hit. Then serve treats like apple pie, cider, and, of course, pumpkin spice anything. Next, be sure to use disposable dinnerware sets with different colors for both matching your themed parties and allowing yourself to enjoy the time by not doing the dishes. The pop of firecrackers and gifts of cash stuffed in red envelopes are other hallmarks of the festivities, which traditionally last for two weeks. A music festival might center the main stage in a field. Refer to our Privacy Policy or contact us at privacy@cvent.com for more details. Set it up in the student center or dormitory dining hall and let those student chefs show their skills. While college audiences can be eager to attend educational and cultural events, they sometimes want to get their minds off education. Weve all heard of bar crawls, right? Invite students to gather at a specific time and place to let out their frustrations together. The opportunities are endless! Long-distance students attending virtual classes will have little experience with your schools campus. Bengaluru, Karnataka. Tip: Craft possibilities include painting pots for easy-to-care-for plants like succulents or ferns; decorating picture frames or book ends; tie-dying wall hangings. So, contact local restaurants and food trucks about offering easy finger foods. Tip:Depending on the accessibility to nature where your campus is located, you may even be able to offer native plants tours as reoccurring programming! Invite parents to join during orientation or visitor weekends and include senior students in the tour staff. The series might include a trivia night, in which student teams answer questions about sexuality and health statistics, free STD and HIV testing, expert-led panel discussions about sexual health and empowerment, and a raffle to win toys or other goodies. College students are working to evolve into full-on adults, so host fun classes that will teach them applicable skills. Connect film, theater, art, design, and other departments by sponsoring a student film competition. Fun fact: Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island and Dr. Showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of your campus by inviting student business owners to speak about their projects and network with potential collaborators. Offer a chapter scholarship or book award (money towards textbooks) for members only. You can also meet your fundraising efforts by setting up shop across campus and selling other tasty grab-and-go snacks. You should choose a charity or NGO that work for the cause supporting women or women empowerment. The following college event ideas are designed to appeal to students, help connect them with one another, improve their experience at events, introduce them to local businesses and organizations, and much more. Here are 10 inspiring ideas and activities to get you started. Teach students how to knit and make cozy winter clothes. Alumni speakers are always a great way to get students excited about an event. 15. This post may contain affiliate links. Give teams 24 or 48 hours to complete a movie based on a theme or genre. They may only come for the free food, but theyll stay for the friends and jovial atmosphere. Even something as simple as petting a dog or cat is associated with lowered blood pressure and increased relaxation. Lay out a route across campus or around the perimeter, and make sure youve got water and treats like ice cream or fruit cups for finishers. Ice-breaker games can be a bit trite. See who can build the best snowman on campus. Provide the supplies, background music, instructions, and refreshments, and let crafty students get to work on building something that will make their dorm feel like a home. Sell coffee for $1 in the libraries during finals and donate the money to a scholarship fund to help more students attend college. Teach students how to do their taxes. You could also partner with another campus organization to do this. Not all students are sports fans, but most students are fans of fun and are looking to take in interesting and new experiences. Whats better than spending Thanksgiving with friends? Partner with the agriculture and food science departments to teach students about the work that goes into growing their food, environmental factors to consider, and the importance of farming in our society. Include an online component as part of an in-person club meeting, or make it solely online and open it up to a broader number of participants. But make sure your cooking classes have an enticing theme and plan easy, cheap, and college-student-friendly dishes. An obstacle course is always a lot of fun, and its perfect for students who love to challenge themselves. Host a trivia night Trivia nights are always popular and they are a great way to get students engaged. 1960 N. Marshall Ave., Suite 100 Live Animal Cams. Mix it up by hosting quidditch matches in the park or advertise a community-wide LARPing (live action role play) competition on campus. This will make students eager to buy tickets. Not every weekend at college needs to be all about tailgating and keggers. Need more fun college event ideas? Casino nights are always popular, and theyre a great way to raise money for a good cause. You could have a variety of music genres or stick to one type. Pitch your idea or Request a donation from us. June 23, 2023. Book clubs are always a great way to get students excited about reading, and theyre perfect for students who love to discuss books. When shes not reading or writing, shes probably hiking, eating brunch, or planning her next great adventure. Pick a day to showcase entries in a theater setting, complete with snacks and awards, and sell tickets via Eventbritesfilm event ticketing software. Take inspiration from Big Brother/Big Sister programs and pair seniors with freshmen. College students may not be a population known for having a ton of disposable income, but what they lack in income they make up for social concern and engagement. The place where twenty-something's can get answers about growing up and navigating the real world. 16 College Fundraising Ideas: Great Step-By-Step Guide. You could either provide coloring books and pencils or have a contest to see who can color the best picture. Or, for older students, try apaint-and-sip party where guests bring their favorite libations for an evening of watercolors, easels, and drinks. You can get the whole college campus involved with these interactive event ideas. Just be sure to clear your calendar wargaming classics like Squad Leader and Warhammer can take place over days or weeks. Who doesnt love a good party? Symphony orchestras will appreciate youthful attendees who may become loyal subscribers. Certain student organizations such as the newspaper or student council may enjoy collaborating to host the event. This may especially helpful to senior students who are about to graduate. An online meet-and-greet can be a great solution if youre looking for virtual business event ideas for college students. Initially developed by actual military strategists, wargaming contests involve moving game pieces around large game boards that consist of maps of real or fantastical landscapes. Student life can be incredibly stressful. More than just about any other demographic, college students are always on the look out for new opportunities to socialize, learn something new, and eat some free food while theyre at it. Walking tours, bus tours, and even bike tours are fun opportunities for students particularly freshmen and other campus newcomers to make friends and get to know the area around them. Ask participants to bring their own drums hand drums such as bongos or even handmade and recycled drums or see if your schools music department has some spares. It's free to sign up and bid on jobs. Come up with a list of themes and some basic ground rules on length and subject matter. Alternatively, impress the history department with out-of-fashion historical games like three-card brag or organize a round of the classic French. 1. You could either choose a theme or let students come up with their own ideas. Tip:Consider giving attendees a recipe book and dorm-cooking starter kit as a party-favor! Step aside, Hollywood more movies by far are produced in India than in the backlots and sound stages of southern California. By organizing concerts, you can raise funds by: Charging a fee for participation Raising funds through ticketing Selling merchandise In the current scenario of a pandemic, such events can be a health hazard. Since pets are often forbidden in dorms or apartments, invite a local pet adoption organization to bring dogs, cats, and other critters to campus. Everybody loves movies, which is even more fun when watched in groups. 1. Just like above, take students to the apple orchard for a fun fall weekend. There are the standard pieces that this great: discussions, peer-to-professional networking, workshops, and more. Furthermore, students should be clearly and regularly updated on when, where, and how to connect with faculty and support staff. Manystudents struggle with food insecurity and would greatly benefit from access to healthy, affordable ingredients.