The following college event ideas are designed to appeal to students, help connect them with one another,improve their experienceat events, introduce them to local businesses and organizations, and much more. Can you figure out who the murderer is before its too late? Team up with an off-campus organization to promote and orchestrate a meaningful community event. Set up podiums for your teams of debaters, preferably where an audience can view them and present a question for debate. 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. Ashley Austin specializes in topics such as event planning, skincare, health, decor, and lifestyle. Teach students how to sew and make their own clothes. The pop of firecrackers and gifts of cash stuffed in red envelopes are other hallmarks of the festivities, which traditionally last for two weeks. Movie Marathon. Schools without an ample A/V supply can host mini-tournaments in each dorm and ask students to bring their own monitors and game systems. Spirit week is always a lot of fun, and its perfect for students who love to dress up. Food drives are always important, and theyre a great way to get students involved. University campuses are often expansive spaces filled with various environments: dormitories and dining halls, quads and stadiums, recreation facilities, and lecture halls. University life is about fun and learning, and what better way to help that mission than with community events that give back? Make it a black-tie event for a sophisticated Monte Carlo feel. Some students love to compete, testing themselves constantly against their peers. Althea obtained two degrees in Visual Communication Design and Race . 2) Locally owned, independent retail stores or restaurants (rather than chains) are often more willing to donate gift cards. Promote your event in your schools media or film department and set up a screening room on campus. Attending a university often instills loyalty that can inspire successful alums to share what they know with the younger generation. They involve a lot of creativity on the part of the participants and can be adapted perfectly to your event. 7. Great for the fall time, organize a trip to the pumpkin patch. So, fun events for college students that emphasize social life will attract interest. Offering virtual events can give those who cant make it to campus the chance to participate in campus life. As a result, students are often excited to see new works and learn about different traditions. Ideas for student organizations running an event As a student, you know what is popular around campus and what your peers like so creating ideas for events is fairly simple. Paint Night: Organize an instructor-led step-by-step art class. College students love free food and they love brunch! Be sure to provide all of the supplies students will need. Car smashes are always a lot of fun, and theyre perfect for students who love to destroy things. Focus the question on significant works and authors, or discuss childrens books or cookbooks for a more lighthearted event. Host a community service fair to link students upwith local non-profit organizations, activist groups, and charities. Host an industry networking event thats an open invitation to anyone who works or wants to work in a particular industry. Facilitate a net positive for both campuses and surrounding communities by fostering an online environment where like-minded students can plan fundraisers, soup kitchen outings, and more. And remember, college students love free things! Screen the films at a local theater or on campus. Up next, check out four tips to help university event planners succeed. Hit up a student fitness-buff to lead an all-levels workout class in an open space on campus. Convert an event hall into a the ultimate movie night slumber party, decked out with pillow forts, sleeping bags, an ice cream sundae station, and plenty of popcorn. Host a trivia night Trivia nights are always popular and they are a great way to get students engaged. Host a contest Whether it's a dance contest, a singing or karaoke contest, a stand-up comedy showcase, or battle of the bands, the possibilities for contests are countless. Campus Relay for Life is a particularly popular club that exists to benefit cancer research, cancer patients, and families touched by cancer. TEDx speakers are always a great way to learn about different subjects, and students will love the chance to see one on campus. Set up a night of drinks and hors duvres to be sure your mentors are comfortable with their mentees (and vice versa). Volunteer virtually. Host tournaments for classic and online gamers. Book clubs are always a great way to get students excited about reading, and theyre perfect for students who love to discuss books. Capturing such talks on video makes for powerful, potentially viral social media. Not every weekend at college needs to be all about tailgating and keggers. to promote positive change. You could either have your own book club or partner with a local organization. Get all the support you want for your events because we know hospitality matters. Giving responsibility. Its time to shift your perspective. A popular way of fundraising for college is organizing concerts and selling tickets. 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. You could either provide coloring books and pencils or have a contest to see who can color the best picture. Be sure to have a variety of games for students to choose from. Long-distance students attending virtual classes will have little experience with your schools campus. A recent study from the American College Health Association found that 95% of college students dont eat the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. 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. Just like above, take students to the apple orchard for a fun fall weekend. You could do this for a day in your college fest. Role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons have entertained fantasy fans since the 1970s. A poker tournament doesnt have to involve gambling instead, let the winnings benefit a particular charity or cause. Tip:The funds raised through the clothing swap can be donated alongside any clothing that remains after the event is through! Serve appetizers and drinks for a more relaxed atmosphere. The best way to boost student engagement is to be creative, innovative, and include student input. Blank canvasses are metaphorical for a new school year, so it's a great fit for a campus event. Provide a 24-48 hour time limit for those students to write, direct, edit, and produce a short film. Post-event engagementwill ensure that you continue to come up with unique, compelling college event ideas. Get inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, or Etsy for the latest crafting trends. 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. Many students are away from home for the first time and may need anicebreakerto connect with others. Give your event a musical theme, such as hard rock hair bands or harmonizing boy bands, or open it up to all genres of music. Seriously, who doesnt want to watch a bunch of adults in medieval costumes hitting each other with rubber swords? When youre starting out, theres nothing like a mentor to open doors and guide the way. Set your poetry slam in a coffeehouse and enjoy cappuccinos and cookies, or gather in a park or campus amphitheater for fun in the sun. Invite successful alums to serve as a mentor to students majoring in a relevant area. Leave easter eggs all around campus with little prizes in them. You could partner with a local charity or organization. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to GenTwenty - the twenty-something's guide to life. Host a workshop where students can make their own dorm room decor think plant hangers, terrariums, or recycled frames for their art. Once you have your design, you can order shirts from a printing company and then sell them to students, faculty, and community members. Light up your campus for the holidays with a festive tree lighting ceremony. Trivia nights a classic test of useless (and sometimes useful!) Laser tag is always a blast, and students will love the chance to compete against each other. Another great way to giveaway prizes is by having a raffle. Pizza parties are always a lot of fun, and they provide a great opportunity for students to socialize and take a break from the dining hall food. Of course, your competition can be as friendly and straightforward as you like the simpler it is, the more likely people will feel up to the challenge and decide to participate. But with just a microwave and a bit of ingenuity, students can have a much more well-rounded diet without breaking the bank. Invite HR directors from local employers to provide insight on ways students can meet other professional expectations, like dressing for the office, writing effective emails, and public speaking. 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! Run a voter registration drive. Several nationwide service groups maintain campus chapters. Contact local businesses to sell tasty treats or invite energy drink vendors to get the party started. Rent a Peerspace venue. Another great way to celebrate International Women's Day is to organize a fundraiser for a women's cause. You can also set up a bake sale or even hot dog eating contest on the side to gain even more in donations. So, invite them to be that change. Then its just a matter of deciding between seven-card stud or Texas hold em. Swap boring punch for a spiked punch bowl and redeem your old school prom dress and tuxedos. Sleepover Movie Marathon Learn how to work with clay and make beautiful pottery. Three Glendale Community College (GCC) students won a total of $5,000 in prize money at the GCC Innovation Challenge, held on February 16th in the GCC Student Union. Collaborative event sales software that increases qualified leads and drives direct revenue. One-by-one, show the photos to the crowd on a projector screen and ask students to try to identify the person pictured. They usually focus on imagination and mental abilities, which should be just the thing for a campus full of budding scholars. By clicking 'Sign Up', you consent to allow Social Tables to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested. Celebrity guests are always a popular draw, and theyre the perfect way to get students excited about an event. The goals can be anything: taking a photo at a campus landmark, for example, or finding a specific treasure in a particular location. Location: Austin, TX. Encourage students to shop locally, eat healthy, and give them access to fresh, organic foods. Virtual Open Mic Night. Search for jobs related to Event ideas for college organizations or hire on the world's largest freelancing marketplace with 21m+ jobs. Eventbrite Boost makes it easy to reach new people, engage your fans and followers, and grow your attendance directly from your Eventbrite account. Highlight unique eats in the neighborhood, helping new students find their favorite restaurants while supporting local businesses as well. 100 College Event Ideas for Student Body Participation Host a music concert A free music concert is something most people will enjoy! Promote diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality. So, contact local restaurants and food trucks about offering easy finger foods. Promote prizes, online recognition, and some serious bragging rights. Help your student body put their best foot forward. Both can easily be enjoyed onscreen thanks to the magic of the internet. Let each other see who can out-spell the competition. You can also meet your fundraising efforts by setting up shop across campus and selling other tasty grab-and-go snacks. Super Smash Brothers, FIFA, and Call of Duty are fan favorites. Invite parents to join during orientation or visitor weekends and include senior students in the tour staff. So we cobbled together 25 unique campus recruitment event ideas that are sure to attract not just the best students, but also the best companies to the floor. Invite your campus next Steven Spielberg or Jordan Peele to show their stuff on the big screen. Include only games that date before the 18th century. Give students a treat after a long day of studying. 16 College Fundraising Ideas: Great Step-By-Step Guide. As graduation nears, students will be more focused on their professional futures. A docent or other expert could lead these for a more educational experience. 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. These college event ideas listed below can also help build school spirit and camaraderie among your student body. A wargaming contest will likely resonate with the history majors in your midst; you might recreate battles from the Civil War, World War I, or World War II. Ask a professor from the Biology department with knowledge of plant species and biodiversity to lead a tour of local parks and nature trails. Digitize your notes for easier review. Start hanging posters, planting signs, and flying banners! 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. Provide support for students who find themselves outside of their social, political, or economic comfort zones. Many companies turn to college students as prospective employees, so they may even want to sponsor events focused on career matters. Live Streamed Concerts. When events wrap, follow up with students. 3. Dodgeball tournaments are always a lot of fun. When Ashley isnt writing, shes delving into everything astrology, getting wrapped up in a book, or binging 90s sitcoms. Competition One of the best ways to win over college students is playing a game to win free rewards. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Peerspace uncovers thousands of unique spaces in hundreds of cities, providing fabulous places to meet and celebrate. Theres nothing like spending a night under the stars. You could either create your own puzzles or use ones that are already made. Laughter is a great stress reliever, so comedys an ever-popular event choice for students loaded down with exams, jobs, and extracurricular activities. Consider doing a series of industry-focused career fairs for targeted interactions. Give teams 24 or 48 hours to complete a movie based on a theme or genre. Consider running a voter registration drive in your local area. This is a great way to raise money and show support for your college. Teach students how to knit and make cozy winter clothes. A fun campus event attracts a crowd and engages students. Mastering skills like basic auto repair or home maintenance will help students become more independent. Surely there are a few certified yoga or aerobics instructors in your student body! Meditation classes are a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Encourage attendees to dress up and enjoy an evening with the local orchestra, or show their school spirit by attending a performance of the schools music department ensembles. The fitness instructors who host classes will likely pick up new clients. Comedians regularly include colleges on their tour stops, so it could be worth reaching out to a famous name to check availability. Remember, always encourage businesses, event planners, and students to post about the events on social media. Keep your backpack clean and stocked with the materials you need to bring to class. The past few years have seen the passing of some of popular musics most beloved idols. A dessert bar is always a popular draw, and its the perfect way to finish an event. Likewise, consider the genre(s) to be featured. Events are a great way to introduce fresh ideas, opportunities, and products to a new audience. This will be a treat for movie lovers. Pitch your idea or Request a donation from us. Be sure to have plenty of delicious goodies for students to choose from. Teach students about the importance of public service, civic duty, and empower them to take an active role in their community. It's free to sign up and bid on jobs. Create a campus-wide event by holding a race, fun-run, or walkathon around school grounds. Set it up in the student center or dormitory dining hall and let those student chefs show their skills. Pick a day to showcase entries in a theater setting, complete with snacks and awards, and sell tickets via Eventbritesfilm event ticketing software. Social Distancing Festivals. Kristu Jayanti College. Gratify the gamers on your campus by hosting an old-school LAN party and tournament. An easter egg hunt is perfect for the spring semester once it starts to get warm out. A campfire is probably ill-advised, so try a portable electric cooker instead. Yoga classes are always a great way to relax and de-stress. Bengaluru, Karnataka. You could have a variety of music genres or stick to one type. Consider marketing to individual departments, clubs, and organizations related to your event. Or, create your own maneuvers and offensives in battles between fantastical creatures such as orcs and dwarves. Door decorating contests are perfect for students who love to be creative. Themed parties are especially fun. After a countdown, encourage students to scream as loud as they can and release their stress together. Youll want to contact your schools facilities department about availability. There are so many different ways to engage students through local scavenger hunts. Students will love trying to solve the mystery. A poetry slam puts spoken word performance front and center. , the all-in-one marketing platform designed for event creators. Include fun activities like games, haunted houses, dancing, photo booth, trick-or-treating on campus and of course a costume contest! Thanks to Netflixs massively popular Stranger Things, interest has exploded. But that doesnt mean your event cant be inspiring or rewarding in other ways, right? Students will love the chance to do yoga while surrounded by adorable goats. x = independently organized TED event. For many students, college can be an emotionally challenging time. Create imaginary monsters and adventurers, or pit Greek heroes like Perseus and Odysseus against creatures like Cyclops or Medusa. Invite professors from diverse departments, like Biology, Religion, and Womens Studies, to speak about sexuality through different academic lenses. College students are working to evolve into full-on adults, so host fun classes that will teach them applicable skills. Trivia nights are always popular and they are a great way to get students engaged. 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. One simple way to do this is to organize a community-wide charity drive in a central, easy-to-access location. Let them experience the joy of classical music and admire the musicianship behind exquisite compositions. The new Hogwarts Legacy video game may be as close as most of us Muggles will ever come to the infamous school of witchcraft and wizardry. 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. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers . An interactive challenge that gets them moving and holds their attention will help students learn about the history of their campus, the unique architecture in town, local businesses, and uncover interesting facts about the city. There are the standard pieces that this great: discussions, peer-to-professional networking, workshops, and more. Talent shows are always a lot of fun, and they provide a great opportunity for students to show off their talents. You can choose an NGO or charity you wish to donate to. Comedy nights are always a lot of fun, and theyre perfect for students who love to laugh. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Sports are always a popular activity among college students. 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. Community gardens are a great way to get students involved in their community, and theyre perfect for students who love to garden. Put down the electronics and get back to basics with an ancient games tournament. Include a petting zoo with goats, sheep, and other barnyard animals. Will it be sports games, strategy games, first-person shooter games, simulations, or a combination? The great thing about a rap battle is how little equipment is needed bring a beatbox and a microphone and youre practically set! Highlight alumni who have excelled in their field of study or made notable contributions in their degree field. Think. Check out additional, creative ideas to inspire your next event, . You could either have them as a standalone event or add it to another event. Take a group to the trampoline park for a day of bouncing around. Similar to a fall festival, harvest festivals emphasize food and farm products. You can host a cultural celebration supporting music, art, food, and other entertainment. 15. Just be sure students stick around afterward to help clean up! Learn more about us here. Everyone loves a game show with high stakes. Get your own design on the t-shirts, or get a designer on board. Focus on specific departments or specialties to keep your event focused. Did you know that the iconic idea-sharing forum TEDx started as a campus event at USC in 2009? Take inspiration from Big Brother/Big Sister programs and pair seniors with freshmen. Here are 10 inspiring ideas and activities to get you started. Copyright 2022 Cvent Inc.All rights reserved. Invite area critics and choose a panel of judges to pick the winner. Or invite graduate students from your universitys art, history, or architectural department to lead the tour for a stronger connection with your student participants. Or, get a couple of ice cream makers and make your own customized concoction. Coordinate your event with your schools LGBTQ+ community to create an inclusive, gender-neutral event. As students move from booth to booth, theyll get a peek into potential career paths and maybe even find the position where theyll launch their career. These games are great because theyre entirely adaptable to the size of your party. to be sure your event marketing strategy gets an A+. 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. , but without the multi-million-dollar broadcast network budget. With the user-friendly digital tools at our disposal today, anyone can make a short movie. Be sure to have a variety of food options for students to choose from. Many theater companies are now incorporating virtual performances into their regular programming. Organize a community-wide donation drive. Encourage students to meet and create their own teams. Donation drives are a fantastic way to bring the community together through a common goal of helping others in need. It can be challenging, however, for businesses, organizations, and evenuniversity event plannersto come up with creative college event ideas that actually work.