But to draw interest, you'll need to look beyond formal talks and job fairs. 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. Give teams 24 or 48 hours to complete a movie based on a theme or genre. Offer Students Campus Bikes and Scooters to be sure your event marketing strategy gets an A+. When youre ready to promote your events, use. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, is generally credited with inventing miniature wargaming. Amusement parks are always a lot of fun, and students will love the chance to get out and have some fun. Comedy nights are always a lot of fun, and theyre perfect for students who love to laugh. A classic movie night is always a hit with students. Coordinate with your schools film department to include the best of Bollywood cinema. Be sure to have plenty of delicious goodies for students to choose from. 20. x = independently organized TED event. Promote events on social media. Surely there are a few certified yoga or aerobics instructors in your student body! Some students love to compete, testing themselves constantly against their peers. Serve appetizers and drinks for a more relaxed atmosphere. Even something as simple as petting a dog or cat is associated with lowered blood pressure and increased relaxation. Or create an LGBTQ+ mentorship program or event. Board game cafes are becoming increasingly popular, and students will love the chance to spend a night in playing their favorite games. India. A classic career fair brings employers onto campus to talk to students about their mission, hiring practices, and prospects. But who could possibly have a problem with baby photos? Catwalk For A Cause. These programs create a rewarding, one-on-one experience for students. If you want to take your event online, consider creative activities like a student-led online workshop or a virtual open mic night. Everyone loves a game show with high stakes. Paint and sip events are always popular, and theyre a great way to get creative. Be sure to have a lot of Christmas-themed games for students to play. University life is ideal for exposing students to a variety of art and culture, with campuses often serving as a hub for musicians, writers, and other artists. Althea obtained two degrees in Visual Communication Design and Race . Whenever a music legend passes, give students a chance to mourn the artist they love and show off their own musical talent by hosting an open-mic night and memorial concert in their name. Create a campus-wide event by holding a race, fun-run, or walkathon around school grounds. Create imaginary monsters and adventurers, or pit Greek heroes like Perseus and Odysseus against creatures like Cyclops or Medusa. Channel Coachella and create your ownmusic and arts festival on campus. Create positive associations with your event to sell more tickets and secure sponsors and speakers. Invite professors from diverse departments, like Biology, Religion, and Womens Studies, to speak about sexuality through different academic lenses. TEDx. Host a wheel of fortune night! Or, for older students, try apaint-and-sip party where guests bring their favorite libations for an evening of watercolors, easels, and drinks. Who doesnt love a good party? As far as event ideas for college students go, the open-mic is a tried and true classic that never fails to please. Reach out to local farms and vendors to organize a campus farmers market. Consider working with a student-led organization to co-host an event that promotes or explores their mission. Quick Links Throw CompetitionsAdd Some FunRun WorkshopsHost CharitiesGive MentoringFood! Posted on Last updated: December 20, 2022. STEP TWO: Adhere to a Budget. Eventbrite Boost makes it easy to reach new people, engage your fans and followers, and grow your attendance directly from your Eventbrite account. You can also meet your fundraising efforts by setting up shop across campus and selling other tasty grab-and-go snacks. Remember! Get your own design on the t-shirts, or get a designer on board. Partner with local transportation services to hostmuseum eventcrawls, garden crawls, or market crawls. Think Amazing Race, but without the multi-million-dollar broadcast network budget. 2. This event is open to the public. Hosting a big Halloween event on campus is a really exciting activity for students and student organizations to connect with new folks and create wonderful memories! So, invite them to be that change. 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. Teach students how to cook their favorite dishes. Students can perform and listen to live renditions of songs we all know and love as a touching way to say goodbye. Set it up in the student center or dormitory dining hall and let those student chefs show their skills. This event suits urban campuses, where many museums and galleries might dot the landscape. In addition, this position must be effective and savvy in media (social, other), communications, and stakeholder engagement. 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. Thanks to Netflixs massively popular Stranger Things, interest has exploded. Lastly, a festival isnt complete without eats. Indoor games dont have to require athleticism. 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. 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. Students will love the chance to do yoga while surrounded by adorable goats. This may help new students feel less homesick, too! Pitch your idea or Request a donation from us. Appeal to what matters to students when attempting to attract them to events. Think. What kind of event are you throwing? You can also set up a bake sale or even hot dog eating contest on the side to gain even more in donations. If you have room, dedicate a spot on campus to a community garden where students can learn how to grow farm-fresh foods first-hand. 16 College Fundraising Ideas: Great Step-By-Step Guide. Promote your event and gather volunteers to help referee and keep score. Symphony orchestras will appreciate youthful attendees who may become loyal subscribers. Performing artists love to gain college fans, and college rock (think R.E.M. 14 College Event Ideas Students Will Actually Attend, classes that will teach them applicable skills, study from the American College Health Association, Create groups and promote events on Facebook, four tips to help university event planners succeed, The Complete Guide to Early Bird Registration for Events, Before, During, and After: The Complete Guide to Event Engagement . While inherently less personal than an in-person event, an online event has other advantages, including expanding your networking base to more geographic regions. Did you know that the iconic idea-sharing forum TEDx started as a campus event at USC in 2009? Alternatively, impress the history department with out-of-fashion historical games like three-card brag or organize a round of the classic French brelan with your schools French department. Give students a treat after a long day of studying. Focus the question on significant works and authors, or discuss childrens books or cookbooks for a more lighthearted event. Just be sure students stick around afterward to help clean up! Consult with your director of facilities office about . You could do this for a day in your college fest. Make it a black-tie event for a sophisticated Monte Carlo feel. Have some fun with class topics. A poetry slam puts spoken word performance front and center. 4. Student life can be incredibly stressful. Puzzle hunts are always a lot of fun, and theyre perfect for a day or night out. Rock climbing is a great way to get active and have some fun. Another great way to get people excited about sharing at the event is to interview individual students about the hilariously false misconceptions they had about sex when they were younger. Ice-breaker games can be a bit trite. Consider doing a series of industry-focused career fairs for targeted interactions. As a result, students are often excited to see new works and learn about different traditions. Participants bring clothes to trade with each other as they try out new looks. Language clubs are a perfect fit for an online event. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers . 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. Provide gift cards to the campus bookstore for the winners. There are plenty of organizations that would love to have your help. 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. Another great way to giveaway prizes is by having a raffle. Wacky Obstacle Course Almost like the 5K run, a wacky obstacle course is a good idea for college students and will still appeal to the masses. Consider marketing to individual departments, clubs, and organizations related to your event. Mental health is a vital part of overall health, so engage students with campus-widede-stressing events, especially during exam seasons. Althea Marin Santos (al-they-ya, mar-ine, san-tos) is a Filipina immigrant raised in Northeast Los Angeles. A food truck rally is always a lot of fun, and its perfect for students who love to eat. Come up with a list of themes and some basic ground rules on length and subject matter. Want to know how to get college students to attend events? 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Invite parents to join during orientation or visitor weekends and include senior students in the tour staff. Invite artists, activists, and entrepreneurs. Bengaluru, Karnataka. 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. Include pumpkin carving contests, hay rides, corn mazes, and costume contests. 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]. Keep your backpack clean and stocked with the materials you need to bring to class. 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. Several nationwide service groups maintain campus chapters. 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. As the name implies, speed interviews are similar to speed dating. Students will not only learn to identify some of the trees, flowers, and bushes that makes the area unique, but they will also get a chance to explore some of the best walking and hiking trails that the area has to offer. An online meet-and-greet can be a great solution if youre looking for virtual business event ideas for college students. Balancing classes, homework, papers, exams, and for many, a part-time job, can become a lot to handle. 7. You could partner with a local charity or organization. Swords and sorcery not your thing? She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is the author of The Kidult Handbook (Simon & Schuster May 2018). The following college events ideas can draw big crowds by offering something fun, giving yourself something by which to identify what your group is about. A balloon drop is always a lot of fun, and its perfect for students who are looking for a little excitement. Leave easter eggs all around campus with little prizes in them. Provide a 24-48 hour time limit for those students to write, direct, edit, and produce a short film. You could either have your own garden or partner with local businesses. Check out these 100 college event ideas that are perfect for any campus! 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. Students will love trying to solve the mystery. Serve appetizers and drinks so guests stick around. Encourage students to shop locally, eat healthy, and give them access to fresh, organic foods. Sure, academics should take precedence, but everyone loves to hang out and socialize with their peers. Digitize your notes for easier review. HR can ask the coworkers to wear a . Hit up a student fitness-buff to lead an all-levels workout class in an open space on campus. You could either do this at a local rock climbing gym or outdoors. Be sure to choose movies that everyone will enjoy. Get social. For one of the most exciting college events students will ever experience, take groups out on an established trail (with reliable guides) late at night. Whether youre an event planner, a professor or faculty member, or anyone else involved in collegiate affairs, these 14 simple yet effective college event ideas are just what you need to boost attendance and engagement. You could either partner with a local meditation organization or have your own class. Any working professional will likely tell you that success depends more on who you know than what you know. You could partner with a local pet therapy organization. Be sure to provide plastic bags and waste bins for cleanup. You could either partner with a local yoga instructor or have students teach. Charity walks and runs are always a great way to raise money for a good cause. HostTED Talksregularly on campus and encourageaudience engagement at events. 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. 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. 7. We all know college students may not have the kitchen or the time for such culinary achievements. Food drives are always important, and theyre a great way to get students involved. Tip:With this many devices in one room, it may be advisable to ensure that the computers are equipped with virus protection and that every outlet has surge protectors! Screen the films at a local theater or on campus. 3. You could partner with a local charity or organization. Start hanging posters, planting signs, and flying banners! You can host this event in the student center, gym, or college quad. Help your student body put their best foot forward. and the Pixies) got its name for a reason. There are the standard pieces that this great: discussions, peer-to-professional networking, workshops, and more. 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. Light up your campus for the holidays with a festive tree lighting ceremony. Instead, invite students to bring their tents, sleeping bags, and smores kits to campus for a campout with friends. Remember, always encourage businesses, event planners, and students to post about the events on social media. SAMPLE Below are a few engaging social event ideas for clubs and students. Invite your campus next Steven Spielberg or Jordan Peele to show their stuff on the big screen. Up next, check out four tips to help university event planners succeed. You should choose a charity or NGO that work for the cause supporting women or women empowerment. Make sure your. Alternative sports like these can attract less-athletic types who might be up for trying something new and sports lovers who thrive on competition. Check out additional, creative ideas to inspire your next event, . Furthermore, students should be clearly and regularly updated on when, where, and how to connect with faculty and support staff. A meet-and-greet allows students to make a one-on-one connection. Role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons have entertained fantasy fans since the 1970s. Thank you for supporting this resource. Not every weekend at college needs to be all about tailgating and keggers. This is a great way to raise money and show support for your college. Promote your event in your schools media or film department and set up a screening room on campus. When interviewing for your first job, its not always all about your academic experiences or what extracurricular activities you excelled in. Karaoke nights are always a lot of fun, and they provide a great opportunity for students to show off their singing skills even if its a hidden talent. 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. But with just a microwave and a bit of ingenuity, students can have a much more well-rounded diet without breaking the bank. Learn how to work with clay and make beautiful pottery. You could have a variety of music genres or stick to one type. 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. Students can wash cars to help raise money for a good cause. 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. Be sure to include medals for first, second, and third place finishers, and have plenty of water and nutritious refreshments for contestants. These games are great because theyre entirely adaptable to the size of your party. Tour local gardens, pinpoint hiking opportunities, and point out the local flora and fauna. If you want to take your event online, consider creative activities like a student-led online workshop or a virtual open mic night. Here are 10 inspiring ideas and activities to get you started. Yoga classes are always a great way to relax and de-stress. 4.