It's free to sign up and bid on jobs. Put students taste buds to the test with a hot-plate cook-off campus regulations permitting. As a result, students are often excited to see new works and learn about different traditions. Get inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, or Etsy for the latest crafting trends. Let each other see who can out-spell the competition. And in honor of its release, we're rounding up some of our favorite Hogwarts-inspired decor and DIYs to plan the most magical wizarding party at home, complete with homemade wands, fantastical treats and . Drive fundraising with charity eventsand encourage students to organize their own campus services. and the Pixies) got its name for a reason. Have art students sell their pieces to students for cheap dorm dcor and donate the money to . Youll find role-playing games set in the world of international spies, a post-nuclear holocaust, and a city full of superheroes, too! Theres nothing like spending a night under the stars. Tip:To make things more interesting, consider having everyone vote on Awww-wards, such as Cutest Baby, Biggest Trouble Maker, and Best Glow-Up.. Rap throw-downs can be held virtually anywhere, from a formal theater stage to an informal dormitory dining hall. Since pets are often forbidden in dorms or apartments, invite a local pet adoption organization to bring dogs, cats, and other critters to campus. 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. Take a group to the ice rink for a day of skating. Have a Thanksgiving feast on campus and let students bring their favorite dishes to share. 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. The first group to complete the list wins. 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. knowledge, and an ever-popular way for students to spend the evening. For details on how to start a campus TEDx, visit the website. For example, a film festival might encompass several different movie theaters or screening rooms. Coordinate your event with your schools LGBTQ+ community to create an inclusive, gender-neutral event. Mac-and-brie-en-croute, anyone? TEDx. Once you have your design, you can order shirts from a printing company and then sell them to students, faculty, and community members. Highlight popular attractions, restaurants, recreation areas, and local monuments. Invite your campus next Steven Spielberg or Jordan Peele to show their stuff on the big screen. Tour local gardens, pinpoint hiking opportunities, and point out the local flora and fauna. Free Event Management Software for Planners and Properties. Check out additional, creative ideas to inspire your next event, . Blank canvasses are metaphorical for a new school year, so it's a great fit for a campus event. And never have there been so many budding student filmmakers constantly uploading shorts and skits to YouTube and TikTok. Host tournaments for classic and online gamers. Encourage students to meet and create their own teams. But make sure your cooking classes have an enticing theme and plan easy, cheap, and college-student-friendly dishes. Step aside, Hollywood more movies by far are produced in India than in the backlots and sound stages of southern California. Pet therapy is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Photo booths are always a lot of fun, and theyre perfect for students who love to take pictures. to be sure your event marketing strategy gets an A+. The Program Manager III position will lead Transportation Demand Management planning, parking enterprise, programming, contract management for the Austin Transportation Department. Campus Relay for Life is a particularly popular club that exists to benefit cancer research, cancer patients, and families touched by cancer. Be sure to encourage attendees to come in costume. Be sure to have a variety of food options for students to choose from. Provide gift cards to the campus bookstore for the winners. Copyright 2022 Cvent Inc.All rights reserved. Promote events on social media. Coordinate periodic check-in events to maintain contact. Get social. You can either do this on your own or team up with another campus organization. Sleepover Movie Marathon Be sure to provide plastic bags and waste bins for cleanup. Not only does this allow students to support local businesses, but it also helps them stock up for the week. Swap boring punch for a spiked punch bowl and redeem your old school prom dress and tuxedos. They usually focus on imagination and mental abilities, which should be just the thing for a campus full of budding scholars. Hit up a student fitness-buff to lead an all-levels workout class in an open space on campus. You could have a variety of music genres or stick to one type. Board game nights are always popular, and theyre the perfect way to spend a night in. College edition! Performances might include a virtual component as part of an in-person show or be adapted specifically for a digital format. 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. University events dont have to be boring, they dont have to be limited to either a panel discussion or local city tours (though both can be great ideas). Ask your universitys alum relations department for contact information. Invite parents to join during orientation or visitor weekends and include senior students in the tour staff. As the name implies, speed interviews are similar to speed dating. As more students become online-only enrollees, online events might take on new importance. Or put the pedal to the metal with a go-kart race at a nearby indoor or outdoor track. Devote a night to learning basic phrases from various languages. Remember! 1. Pajama parties are always a lot of fun, and theyre the perfect way to spend a night in. The Open Mic. Below are some examples of online programs your organization could host. it emphasizes enjoyment instead of a serious race or competition. Theres nothing like a competition to attract attention. An obstacle course is always a lot of fun, and its perfect for students who love to challenge themselves. We provide complete solution to organize an event. Help current students see the potential that the future holds while they makenetworking connectionsthat could be beneficial after graduation. Just be sure students stick around afterward to help clean up! This could involve organizing a charity walk or run, or it could involve organizing a . Raise money for a good cause and encourage health and fitness with a series of donation-based exercise classes. This article will provide you with fun virtual event ideas for college kids. A picnic is always a great way to spend a day, and its perfect for students who love to eat outside. Be sure to get photos of the winner (with their consent, of course) and post to social media to draw even more attention to the event itself. Both can easily be enjoyed onscreen thanks to the magic of the internet. Up next, check out four tips to help university event planners succeed. Its a valuable life skill many students arent prepared for once they graduate! Celebrate Indias films, with their exuberant colors, fantastic tales, and imaginative staging, with a Bollywood film festival that also embraces the richness of Indian culture. 3. Create a mentorship program that connects students with others who have faced and overcome similar challenges or experiences. Tip:As part of the event, host an incubation workshop to give students who are interested in entrepreneurship a glimpse into the world of start-up funding. This makes them an ideal choice for hosting various events, especially outdoor ones that can accommodate kiosks, booths, and large gatherings. 2) Locally owned, independent retail stores or restaurants (rather than chains) are often more willing to donate gift cards. Be sure to advertise well in advance so everyone knows about it. You could either have a theme or let students come up with their own ideas. For the musically inclined and music fans, a battle of the bands is often a hit. Be sure to have lots of food and drinks for students to enjoy. Or, for older students, try apaint-and-sip party where guests bring their favorite libations for an evening of watercolors, easels, and drinks. Mix it up by hosting quidditch matches in the park or advertise a community-wide LARPing (live action role play) competition on campus. It might include lute players, herald trumpeters, jousters, jugglers, magicians, jesters, and dancers. Manystudents struggle with food insecurity and would greatly benefit from access to healthy, affordable ingredients. Paint Night: Organize an instructor-led step-by-step art class. Check out additionalcreative ideas to inspire your next event. Lastly, a festival isnt complete without eats. Students looking for their first job, a summer internship, or a part-time gig can bring their resumes and do a series of quick interviews. Teach students how to sew and make their own clothes. You could either choose a theme or let students come up with their own ideas. Pick a day to showcase entries in a theater setting, complete with snacks and awards, and sell tickets via Eventbrites, Host a workshop where students can make their own dorm room decor think plant hangers, terrariums, or recycled frames for their art. If your campus has a fall festival, take advantage of it! Sports are always a popular activity among college students. One simple way to do this is to organize a community-wide charity drive in a central, easy-to-access location. Provide potential attendees with a biography of the speaker, their accomplishments, and the unique perspective they bring to the table. A flash mob is always a lot of fun, and its perfect for students who love to dance. 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 This post may contain affiliate links. Paint a mural is always a lot of fun, and its perfect for students who want to get creative. Students who enjoy the outdoors, botany, or conservation will appreciate horticulture tours that showcase the unique biology of their college town. 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. Not only that, but dorm food usually consists of ramen, pizza rolls, and pocketed dining hall items, and lets be real here the options at the dining hall probably arent very healthy either. Survey students to connect with them and discover what they care about most. Diagram events, wow attendees, and win clients with free planning tools. Here are 10 inspiring ideas and activities to get you started. Board game cafes are becoming increasingly popular, and students will love the chance to spend a night in playing their favorite games. The Chinese new year begins on the first moon between January 21st and February 20th, and its one of the premier holidays in Chinese culture. 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. 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. After a countdown, encourage students to scream as loud as they can and release their stress together. Ask students to create something extraordinary and plan a fun event that focuses on film. Serve appetizers and drinks for a more relaxed atmosphere. Or invite graduate students from your universitys art, history, or architectural department to lead the tour for a stronger connection with your student participants. The color red dominates decorations, which often include traditional crafts like intricate paper cutouts and couplets written in Chinese characters wishing good fortune in the coming year. Who doesnt love a free massage? Promote your event in your schools media or film department and set up a screening room on campus. Alumni speakers are always a great way to get students excited about an event. Host a bingo night and see who can win the most rounds. Provide students with mobile-friendly content andpromote events on social media. Seriously, who doesnt want to watch a bunch of adults in medieval costumes hitting each other with rubber swords? Need more fun college event ideas? Whether it seems like it or not, every college or university has students who are looking for active ways to participate in university life as well as the surrounding community. 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. Partner with local transportation services to hostmuseum eventcrawls, garden crawls, or market crawls. Coax students out of the library and their dorm rooms with the promise of snacks, games, and good company. The pop of firecrackers and gifts of cash stuffed in red envelopes are other hallmarks of the festivities, which traditionally last for two weeks. They may only come for the free food, but theyll stay for the friends and jovial atmosphere. Funds can be raised either by ticket sales for entry, by pricing the clothing individually, or by some combination of the two. You could partner with a local charity or organization. You could either create your own hunts or use ones that are already made. During orientation week, offer cooking classes that show students how to make healthy(ish) meals with minimal equipment and inexpensive ingredients. Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight, so a prop workshop is a great way to involve more introverted types in the theater. The past few years have seen the passing of some of popular musics most beloved idols. In addition, this position must be effective and savvy in media (social, other), communications, and stakeholder engagement. You get a book debate a fresh spin on the ever-popular book club concept. There are so many different ways to engage students through local scavenger hunts. You could either partner with a local cooking organization or have your own class. Theatre productions are always a lot of fun, and students will love the chance to see one on campus. Be sure to have a variety of games for students to choose from. A music festival might center the main stage in a field. Event themes Listicle College events shape the social and intellectual fabric of your university. This will make students eager to buy tickets. Lay down some green felt across your tabletops and use chips instead of coins for a more authentic experience. Help new students break the ice, get to know their peers, and get settled into campus with these events and activities: College students are infamous for their ability to survive the school year on a diet consisting of little more than ramen noodles and Red Bull. Alternatively, host an open mic night and encourage students to try out their best routines. 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Coordinate with your schools film department to include the best of Bollywood cinema. Scavenger hunts involve creating a list of goals for a group to accomplish or items to collect. Rock climbing is a great way to get active and have some fun. Students can wash cars to help raise money for a good cause. 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. Tip:Section off a part of the hall where students can talk amongst themselves and only half-watch the movie. Promote prizes, online recognition, and some serious bragging rights. These can even be held as virtual events if needed, and what better way to attract speakers across the globe?! Althea Marin Santos (al-they-ya, mar-ine, san-tos) is a Filipina immigrant raised in Northeast Los Angeles. 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. Cooking lessons are perfect for students who love to cook. Ask students to create something extraordinary and plan a fun event that focuses on film. You can also be more specific with the pairings, like pairing first-gen college students with older first-gen students who understand their experience. 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. Get all the support you want for your events because we know hospitality matters. Creators who used Boost marketings tools saw 2.5x more listing views*. Then its just a matter of deciding between seven-card stud or Texas hold em. Google Art and Culture. A group gets on a bus and hops around town visiting local bars and indulging. Make sure yourcomedy show sells out by promoting it on social media. While softball games and volleyball matches are always popular, mix things up with alternative sports competitions such as ultimate frisbee or paintball. This can help you facilitate democracy in your community and empower others. Location: Austin, TX. Include only games that date before the 18th century. Nicole Booz is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of GenTwenty, GenThirty, and The Capsule Collab. 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. A fashion show can be a fun and profitable fundraising event for a variety of organizations. Then serve treats like apple pie, cider, and, of course, pumpkin spice anything. A campfire is probably ill-advised, so try a portable electric cooker instead. Alternative sports like these can attract less-athletic types who might be up for trying something new and sports lovers who thrive on competition. Here are three easy-to-execute fundraising ideas to help campus groups collect donations and award a giant check to a good cause: Student organizations can set up a booth at a high-traffic area on campus and, for a donation of just a dollar, teach their fellow students how to fold cranes or other beautiful origami creatures. Remember, always encourage businesses, event planners, and students to post about the events on social media. Have participants dress in themed costumes for extra fun, or make it a fundraiser with pledges for laps completed. Role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons have entertained fantasy fans since the 1970s. Contact your schools archery club about including a Robin Hood-inspired display of bow-and-arrow skills. But who could possibly have a problem with baby photos? Target outreach to students who are most likely to be interested in the events content to both boost your attendance rate and limit the amount of unwanted event invites students receive. Cooking classes help keep students healthy and prepare them to become more self-sufficient. on campus. Let students get creative! Regular entertainment programming on college campuses can give students who arent party animals new opportunities to relax and socialize. What do you get with you combine English majors with the debate club? 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. Consider doing a series of industry-focused career fairs for targeted interactions. But youd be amazed at what you can whip up on a hot plate. Host a fundraiser with a casino theme including card games, roulette wheels, and slot machines but make sure to comply with local gambling regulations. You can invite high school students as a way to encourage them to pursue college degrees or get a sense of what college can be like. It takes less than five minutes to walk through all the steps, and students will get to walk away with a paper creation that they folded themselves and the knowledge that they contributed to a worthwhile cause. Millennials and members of Gen Z feel strong connections to political awareness, community engagement, environmentalism, social justice, activism, and impactful change. India. Social events that incorporate games and technology are good starts. What is hard is creating one that will be able to compete with everything else that is going on around campus. Host a workshop where students can make their own dorm room decor think plant hangers, terrariums, or recycled frames for their art. 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. Virtual Open Mic Night. 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 . If you want to get more creative, consider hosting a Campus Scream right in the middle of final exams when tensions are highest. Activities may include a retreat, painting events and other fun team building activities such as disco bowling. Are you looking to host college events that students will actually want to attend? Super Smash Brothers, FIFA, and Call of Duty are fan favorites. Whats the longest-running show in Broadway history? Be sure to choose movies that everyone will enjoy. Organize a behind-the-scenes tour of a popular organization such as an amusement park, casino, or winery. Students love food, so play with the idea of a taco or burger crawl. Certain student organizations such as the newspaper or student council may enjoy collaborating to host the event. Don't miss an opportunity to bring attention to your event and hype up your college. Connect with the agriculture department to teach tour attendees about endangered species in the area and local environmental conservation organizations they can work with. 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. and the Pixies) got its name for a reason. Have a gingerbread house contest to see who can make the best one. Murder mystery nights are always a lot of fun, and theyre perfect for a night out. In between a chorus of squeals about each cute photo, students will have the opportunity to really look at their peers. What kind of event are you throwing? Shooting and editing short films has never been easier. The opportunities are endless! Include former students who are using their degrees in unique or interesting ways as well. 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. You should choose a charity or NGO that work for the cause supporting women or women empowerment. Refer to our Privacy Policy or contact us at [email protected] for more details. A poker tournament doesnt have to involve gambling instead, let the winnings benefit a particular charity or cause. 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. When shes not reading or writing, shes probably hiking, eating brunch, or planning her next great adventure. When youre starting out, theres nothing like a mentor to open doors and guide the way. Invite a prop master from your schools theater department to show students how to craft theatrical props for an upcoming production. Surely there are a few certified yoga or aerobics instructors in your student body! While college audiences can be eager to attend educational and cultural events, they sometimes want to get their minds off education. You can create online events for off-campus students by streaming TEDx to everyone at home or abroad. Then its just a matter of deciding between seven-card stud or Texas hold em. TEDx speakers are always a great way to learn about different subjects, and students will love the chance to see one on campus. Regular entertainment programming on college campuses can give students who aren't party animals new opportunities to relax and socialize. Great for the fall time, organize a trip to the pumpkin patch. Collaborative event sales software that increases qualified leads and drives direct revenue. Focus on specific departments or specialties to keep your event focused. Let student musicians show off their best guitar licks and drum solos in an auditorium, amphitheater classroom, or outdoor space where guests can sit and watch. Mental health is a vital part of overall health, so engage students with campus-widede-stressing events, especially during exam seasons. Set up a night of drinks and hors duvres to be sure your mentors are comfortable with their mentees (and vice versa). Host a Netflix party and play some popular shows. 19. Fun fact: Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island and Dr. 7. Charity walks and runs are always a great way to raise money for a good cause. You could either go to a local bowling alley or have a bowling tournament. Encourage students to shop locally, eat healthy, and give them access to fresh, organic foods. You can get the whole college campus involved with these interactive event ideas. As theater lovers know, the real magic of drama and comedy is in characterization and dialogue. Broadway Plays. Include fun activities like games, haunted houses, dancing, photo booth, trick-or-treating on campus and of course a costume contest! While inherently less personal than an in-person event, an online event has other advantages, including expanding your networking base to more geographic regions. Take inspiration from Big Brother/Big Sister programs and pair seniors with freshmen. Want to know how to get college students to attend events? Celebrity guests are always a popular draw, and theyre the perfect way to get students excited about an event. People love free stuff, and giving away small prizes is a great way to get students excited about your event. Race each other in Mario Party or Mario Kart! But with just a microwave and a bit of ingenuity, students can have a much more well-rounded diet without breaking the bank. Run a voter registration drive. Consider running a voter registration drive in your local area. Depending on whether or not your college has the right hardware available, you can either supply the computers, network cards, and headsets yourself, or specify that the game night is BYO-gear. 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. Encourage mentorship connections for new students, students in the LGBTQ+ community, those who struggle with addiction or grieving, and so on. A food truck rally is always a lot of fun, and its perfect for students who love to eat. If you make a purchase, GenTwenty may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Speak to your universitys facilities department about using a field or similar outdoor area. Would it appeal to the typical college-age demographic or is your ideal audience a little more specific? 16 College Fundraising Ideas: Great Step-By-Step Guide. You could either do this at a local rock climbing gym or outdoors.