53 fun college event ideas students will love and share (2023)

University events shape the social and intellectual fabric of your university. Events are a great way to introduce new ideas, opportunities, and products to new audiences. But to generate interest, you need to look beyond formal interviews and job fairs.

College students want new and authentic ways to connect and avoid the commerce and marketing that the media has taught them to recognize all their lives. Social events that involve games and technology are a good place to start.

Pro Tip: UseEventbrite-Boostto ensure your event marketing strategy gets an A+.

Educational event ideas for students.

Students spend all day in classrooms and seminars, so educational events that encourage participation have the greatest impact.

1. Cooking classes for college students

Want to know how to get students to attend events? bring food! Cooking classes help keep students healthy and prepare them to be more independent. But make sure your cooking classes have an engaging theme, and plan simple, inexpensive, student-friendly meals. Think mac and cheese, stir-fries, homemade ramen, or pho. You can also add wraps, burritos, and gyros—quick, flavorful meals that require few ingredients.

2. Community service events

Millennials love to express their values ​​online, but 80% of them think so.important that people meet in personto promote positive change. So invite them to be that change. Partner with an off-campus organization to promote and host a meaningful community event. For example, clean up a local beach or river, or raise awareness with a special event where all proceeds go to a good cause. If you plan to host your event online, consider creative activities like a student-led online workshop or a virtual open mic night.

3. Create a student tutoring program

Find inspiration in the Big Brother/Big Sister programs and reunite third graders with freshmen. You can also be more specific with matches, such as B. Match first-generation college students with older first-generation students who understand their background. Or create an LGBTQ+ mentorship program or event. These programs create a rewarding individual experience for students.

4. Learn from alumni

Going to university often inspires loyalty, which can inspire successful graduates to share their knowledge with the younger generation. A meet and greet allows students to create a one-on-one connection. Set it up on campus where students would like to see ancient sites, or turn it into a workplace visit or tour for hands-on experience. Focus on specific departments or specialties to keep your event focused. Check with your college's alumni relations department for contact information.

Special events for students

As graduation approaches, students will focus more on their future careers. Many companies are reaching out to college students as potential employees, so they may even want to sponsor events focused on career issues.

5. Job fairs

A classic career fair brings employers to campus to talk to students about their mission, hiring practices, and prospects. Consider a range of industry-focused career shows for specific interactions.

6. Networking-Eventos der Branche

Any professional will probably tell you that success depends more on who you know than what you know. Host an industry networking event that is an open invitation to anyone who works, or wants to work, in a specific industry. Serve appetizers and drinks for guests to linger.

7. Streamline interviews

As the name suggests, speed interviews are similar to speed dating. Set up stations for employers looking for college candidates. You can host this event in the student union, gym, or field. Students looking for their first job, a summer internship, or a part-time job can bring their resumes and complete a series of short interviews. Serve appetizers and drinks for a more relaxed atmosphere.

8. Meet your mentor (professional)

When you're just starting out, there's nothing like a mentor to open doors and guide the way. Invite successful graduates to mentor students majoring in a relevant field. Host a night of drinks and hors d'oeuvres to make sure your mentors feel comfortable with their mentees (and vice versa). Schedule regular registration events to stay in touch.

9. Skills Seminar

Interviewing for your first job isn't always about your academic experience or what extracurricular activities you excelled at. Invite HR leaders from local employers to share ideas about how students can meet other career expectations, such as: B. Dressing for the office, writing effective emails, and public speaking. And while many college students are computer savvy, they may lack business skills like creating formulas in Excel or using spreadsheets in Word. So bring in an IT pro to show you tips and tricks to help new hires prove themselves.

Ideas of cultural events for students.

University life is ideal for introducing students to a variety of arts and cultures, and the campus often serves as a hub for musicians, writers, and other artists. As a result, students are often excited to see new works and learn about different traditions.

10. Poetry-Slams

A poetry contest focuses on the interpretation of the spoken word. It often involves a competition. Host your poetry gathering at a coffee shop and enjoy a cappuccino and cookies, or gather at a park or campus amphitheater for some fun in the sun.

11. Book discussions

What do you get when you combine English students with the Debate Club? You'll be hosted by a book discussion – a new twist on the much-loved book club concept. Set up podiums for your debate teams, preferably where an audience can see them and ask a discussion question. Focus the question on important works and authors, or discuss children's books or cookbooks for a more light-hearted event.

12. Theatrical props workshops

Not everyone wants to be the center of attention, so a prop workshop is a great way to get more introverted types involved in the theater. Invite a prop teacher from your college theater department to show students how to make theater props for an upcoming production. A utility fee can help pay for necessary tools and other resources.

13. Galerie-Rastreos

For a classy version of the rowdy pub crawl, let your group take an exciting gallery tour to see the latest art, sculpture, and photography exhibits. This event lends itself to urban campuses where many museums and galleries could dot the landscape.

14. Visits to the city and museums

As with the gallery tour model, city or museum tours can include visits to natural history museums, botanical gardens, and architectural sites. A teacher or other expert could direct them for a more educational experience. Or invite graduate students from your college's art, history, or architecture department to lead the tour to create a stronger connection with your student attendees.

15. A Night at the Symphony

Encourage participants to dress up and enjoy an evening with the local orchestra, or show your school spirit by attending a performance by the school's music department ensembles. Let them experience the joy of classical music and admire the musicality behind exquisite compositions. Symphony orchestras will appreciate young visitors who can become loyal subscribers. They often offer special services or prices for groups or a younger audience.

Fun Campus Event Ideas

While college audiences may be eager to attend educational and cultural events, they sometimes wish to take their minds off of education. But that doesn't mean your event can't be inspiring or rewarding in other ways, right?

16th 24 or 48 hour film festival

Anyone can create a short film with the easy-to-use digital tools available today. Ask students to create something out of the ordinary and plan a fun event that focuses on movies. Make a list of themes and some ground rules about length and theme. Give teams 24-48 hours to complete a movie based on a theme or genre. Pick a day to display tickets on a theatrical stage with refreshments and prizes, and sell tickets through Eventbrite.

17. Solo Night Walk

For one of the most exciting college events students can experience, take groups late at night on an established trail (with trusted guides). Send out a guide and have students follow one at a time to complete a short, flat stretch on their own. This great bonding activity can be made even more fun by ending the hike with a campfire and s'mores.

18. Craft workshops

Host a workshop where students can create their own dorm decor – think plant hangers, terrariums, or recycled frames for your art. Or, for older students, try a paint and drink party where guests bring their favorite beverages for an evening of watercolours, easels and drinks. Find inspiration for the latest craft trends on Pinterest, Instagram, or Etsy.

19. Comedy evenings

Laughter is a great stress reliever, which is why comedy is a much-loved activity option for students overloaded with tests, papers, and extracurricular activities. Comedians often include colleges at their tour stops, so it might be worth contacting a famous name to check availability. Alternatively, host an open mic night and encourage students to try out their best routines. Make sure yoursSold Out Comedy Showby promoting it on social media.

20. Camp on campus

There's nothing like spending a night under the stars. However, we don't always make it to the nearest desert for our backpacking excursions. Instead, invite students to bring their tents, sleeping bags, and S'mores kits to campus for a campout with friends. A campfire is probably not advisable, try a portable electric stove instead.

Ideas for College Social Events

Sure, academics should come first, but everyone loves to hang out and socialize with their peers. Therefore, fun events for students that emphasize social life will attract interest. Choose a topic or activity and watch your registrations fill up.

21. Ice Cream Socials

Give students a treat after a long day of study. As a group, head to a local ice cream shop for sundaes, banana splits, or a simple Rocky Road scoop. Or get some ice cream machines and make your own custom drink.

22 Charity Casino Night

Use the enthusiasm of students for a good cause. Host a casino-themed fundraiser, including card games, roulette wheels, and slot machines, but be sure to adhere to local gambling regulations. Make it a fancy event for a sophisticated Monte Carlo feel.

23. Alternative sporting events

While softball games and volleyball matches are always popular, combine them with alternative sports competitions like ultimate frisbee or paintball. Or take part in a go-kart race at a nearby indoor or outdoor track. Alternative sports like these can attract less athletic types who are willing to try something new and sports lovers who benefit from the competition.

Ideas for events on the university campus

Campuses are often sprawling spaces with a variety of settings: dormitories and dining rooms, courtyards and stadiums, recreational facilities, and conference rooms. This makes them an ideal choice for hosting various events, especially outdoor events that can accommodate kiosks, booths, and large gatherings. Below are some interesting social event ideas for clubs and students.

Campus 24 Farmers Market

Contact local farms and vendors to host a farmer's market on campus. This not only allows students to support local businesses, but also helps them stock up for the week. In addition, the range of fresh products encourages healthy eating habits and social commitment.

25. Campuslauf

A fun run is similar to a5 km or marathon– emphasizes enjoyment rather than a serious race or competition. Set out a route through campus or around the grounds, and be sure to have water and treats like ice cream or fruit cups to finish it off. Have attendees dress up in themed costumes for added fun, or turn it into a fundraiser with laps completed pledges.

26. Clothes Swap

College students often set fashion trends for the rest of us, and since fashions change frequently, a clothing swap is a fun and interactive event. Participants bring clothes to trade with each other as they try out new looks. Coordinate your event with the LGBTQ+ community at your school to create a gender-neutral and inclusive event.

27. Pet therapy sessions

The emotional and therapeutic benefits of bonding with animals are well known. Even something as simple as petting a dog or cat has been linked to lower blood pressure and increased relaxation. Since pets are often prohibited in college dorms or housing, invite a local pet adoption organization to bring dogs, cats, and other critters to campus. Talk to your university's facilities department about using a field or similar outdoor space. Be sure to provide plastic bags and trash bins for cleanup.

28. Treasure Hunts

Scavenger hunts involve creating a list of objectives for a group to complete or items to collect. The first group to complete the list wins. Goals can be anything: take a photo at a campus landmark, for example, or find a specific "treasure" in a specific location. Thinkan amazing run, but without the multi-billion dollar budget of the transmission network.

29 blood donation campaign

Doing something good for society can make you feel inspired and energized. And since blood and platelets are so scarce, donating blood can be a real lifesaver. Coordinate with the Red Cross, a local hospital, or your university hospital to provide the necessary phlebotomists and equipment. See if the campus bakery can provide cookies and juice for donors.

30. Drum Circle

A drum circle is simply a group of people who come together to beat the drum. It can be free form, with everyone drumming at their own pace, or the circle can be led by a conductor who gives instructions and encourages everyone to participate. Devotees attest to the therapeutic effects of drum circles, which are said to instill feelings of warmth and community. Encourage participants to bring their own drums (hand drums like bongos, or even handmade and recycled drums) or see if your school's music department has spare parts.

Indoor games for students.

While outdoor games and events are great for getting students out of their rooms and off their screens, we know the weather doesn't always cooperate. Indoor event games are the perfect solution. Indoor games don't have to require athletics. They tend to focus on imagination and brainpower, which should be the ticket to a campus full of aspiring scientists.

31. Crime

Call Sherlock Holmes! In a crime game, one party guest is the designated "killer," and anyone could be the next victim. Can you find out who the killer is before it's too late? These games are great because they can be completely customized to the size of your group.

32. Role Playing

RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons have been entertaining fantasy fans since the 1970s. Thanks to Netflix's Stranger Things, interest has skyrocketed. They require a lot of creativity on the part of the participants and can be perfectly adapted to your event. Create imaginary monsters and adventurers or pit Greek heroes like Perseus and Odysseus against creatures like Cyclops or Medusa. Swords and sorcery not your thing? You'll also find RPGs set in the world of international spies, a post-nuclear holocaust, and a city full of superheroes!

33. War Games

Originally developed by true military strategists, war game competitions consist of moving pawns on large game boards made up of maps of real or fantastic landscapes. A war gaming competition is likely to resonate with the history students among you; You can recreate battles from the Civil War, World War I, or World War II. Or create your own maneuvers and attacks in battles between fantastic creatures like orcs and dwarves. Just make sure you clear your schedule – wargaming classics like Squad Leader and Warhammer can last for days or weeks. Fun fact: Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is widely credited with inventing miniature war games.

34th Poker Tournament

Put on your best poker face and enjoy them! Put some green felt on your tables and use tokens instead of coins for a more authentic experience. A poker tournament doesn't have to involve gambling; instead, allow the proceeds to benefit a specific cause or charity. Then all you have to do is decide between Seven Card Stud or Texas Hold'em. Alternatively, impress the history department with outdated historical games like three-card bragging rights, or host a round of classic French games.Brelanwith the French department of your school.

35th Ancient Games Tournament

Board games such as chess, pachisi (the Indian predecessor of the American variant called "parcheesi"), and backgammon have been around for hundreds, even thousands, of years. Ditch the electronics and go back to basics with an old fashioned tournament game. Include only games made before the 18th century.

Event Ideas for College Party

A festival combines a main activity or theme with events that can take place over a weekend or over the course of several days. You can host a cultural celebration with music, art, food, and other entertainment. It is possible to keep them in a wide range, although not necessarily contiguous. For example, a film festival might include several different cinemas or screening rooms. A music festival might center the main stage on a field. When serving food, make sure your event complies with local storage and handling regulations.

36th Autumn Festival

A fall festival celebrates all things fall, as the fall colors are at their peak. These include pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, corn mazes, and costume contests. Then serve up treats like apple pie, apple cider, and of course, pumpkin spice.

37. Festival de Bollywood

Move over from Hollywood: Far more movies are produced in India than in the back-end studios and soundstages of Southern California. Celebrate Indian films with their lush colour, fantastic storylines and imaginative productions with a Bollywood film festival that also embraces the richness of Indian culture. Coordinate with your school's film department to include the best of Bollywood cinema. If your university has a Hindi or Urdu language department, see if they have additional resources to include. And don't forget to combine the theme with authentic cuisine.

38th Harvest Festival

Like a fall festival, harvest festivals emphasize food and produce. They have been celebrated in agricultural regions for perhaps thousands of years. Visit your local farmers market for locally grown fruits, vegetables, cheese, honey, and meats. Include a petting zoo with goats, sheep, and other barn animals.

39 chinese new year

Chinese New Year begins on the first moon between January 21 and February 20 and is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. A Chinese New Year celebration is a perfect way to celebrate the traditions and culture of China. The color red dominates the decorations, which often include traditional crafts such as intricate paper-cuts and couplets written in Chinese characters wishing luck for the coming year. The setting off of firecrackers and the gifting of money stuffed into red envelopes are other hallmarks of the celebrations, which traditionally last for two weeks. Chinese New Year often culminates in a Lantern Festival, where candles and lanterns illuminate homes and gardens, or in this case, the campus.

40th Music and Arts Festival

Channel Splendor in the Grass and create your ownMusic and Arts Festivalon campus Artists love to rally college fans, and college rock (think R.E.M. and the Pixies) got its name for a reason. Invite popular indie rock bands and hip-hop artists and coordinate with the university's arts department to showcase student work. After all, a festival isn't complete without food. So check out local restaurants and food stalls for easy finger foods. Just make sure the students stay after to help clean up!

41st Short Film Festival

Shooting and editing short films has never been easier. And never before have so many aspiring film students consistently uploaded short films and sketches to YouTube and TikTok. Invite the next Steven Spielberg or Baz Luhrmann onto your campus to strut his stuff on the big screen. Promote your event to your university's film or media department and set up a screening room on campus. Pro tip: quality sound equipment can really enhance the experience.

42. Renaissancemarkt

A Renaissance fair commemorates the days of knights, nobles, lords and ladies, recreating a bygone era. It could include lutenists, herald trumpeters, justists, jugglers, magicians, jesters, and dancers. Encourage participants to come in costume. Contact your school's archery club to include a Robin Hood-inspired display of bow and arrow skills. Local food vendors can offer messy medieval fare like roast turkey thighs and Viking mead. Add falconry or blacksmithing displays to set the mood.

College Contest Ideas

There's nothing like a competition to get noticed. Some students love to compete and constantly compete with their peers. And people love watching competitors go head-to-head, whether they're "survivors" on a TV-friendly island or athletes on a sports field. Of course, your contest can be as friendly and straightforward as you like – the simpler it is, the more likely people are to feel up to the challenge and choose to participate.

43. Video Game Tournaments

It's time to find out who is the console champion in a video game tournament. With more college kids playing video games on PC or consoles like PlayStation or Xbox than ever before, a video game tournament can be a gamer's fantasy. You have to decide if you want to include all consoles in your game or limit it to one brand. Also consider the genres that will be featured. Should they be sports games, strategy games, first-person shooters, simulations, or a combination? The size of your event may determine your responses.

44. Battle of the Bands

For music enthusiasts and music fans, a Battle of the Bands is often a hit. Have music students perform their best guitar licks and drum solos in an auditorium, classroom, or outdoors where guests can sit and watch. Check with your university's facilities department for availability. Give your event a musical theme, like B. hard rock hair bands or harmonizing boy bands, or open them up to all genres of music.

45. Rap ​​Fight

The best thing about a rap battle is how little equipment is required: bring a drum machine and a microphone and you're pretty much done! Rap showdowns can be held virtually anywhere, from a formal theater stage to a casual dining room.

46th Trivia Night

What is the longest running show in Broadway history? Which two countries have the longest borders? A classic useless (and sometimes useful!) test of knowledge, Trivia Night is a popular way for students to spend the night. Create categories like geography, science, or pop culture, declare a winner for each category, and don't forget to crown an overall quiz winner. Provide gift certificates from the campus bookstore to the winners.

47. Cook-Off-Kochplatte

Everyone has heard of a chilli cook-off or British baking contest, right? We all know that college students may not have the kitchen or the time for such culinary achievements. But you'll be surprised what you can conjure up on a hot plate. Challenge students' taste buds with a hot plate from the kitchen, campus rules permitting. Set it up in the Studentenwerk or in the canteen and let the cooking students show off their skills. Mac and Brie en Croute, anyone?

48. obstacle course

Spartan races are famous for their obstacles that combine mud crawling, wall climbing, rope swinging, javelin throwing and more. Create an obstacle course on campus and invite students to challenge themselves physically like never before. Be sure to bring medals for first, second, and third place, and have plenty of water and nutritious snacks for participants.

Online events for students.

More and more universities offer online courses to attract students from distant geographic regions. And some universities allow students to earn degrees entirely through an online course offering. Offering virtual events can give those who cannot make it to campus the opportunity to participate in campus life. With more and more students enrolling exclusively online, online events could take on new meaning.

49. TEDx talks

Did you know that the legendary forum for the exchange of ideas, TEDx, began as an event on the USC campus in 2009? Now, the platform encourages campuses to launch their own digitally enhanced version of the lecture series. Capturing such conversations on video creates powerful and potentially viral social networks. Check the website for details on how to start a TEDx campus. You can create online events for students off campus by streaming TEDx for everyone, nationally and internationally.

50. Online language clubs

Language clubs are a perfect match for an online event. Add an online component as part of an in-person club meeting, or make it online-only and open it up to a larger audience. This allows you to create clubs for lesser known languages ​​like Czech or Basque. You could even network with students from all over the world who speak your club language as their first language.

51. Virtual theater performances

As theatergoers know, the true magic of drama and comedy is in the characterization and dialogue. Both can be easily enjoyed on screen thanks to the magic of the internet. Many theater groups are now integrating virtual performances into their regular programs. Performances may include a virtual component as part of an in-person show, or they may be specifically customized for a digital format.

52. Meeting and greeting of professionals

When you start your career, you want to meet as many people as possible who share your interests, passions, and tasks. An online meet and greet can be a great solution when looking for virtual business event ideas for students. While inherently less personal than an in-person event, an online event has other benefits, including expanding your network base to more geographic regions. Online events can also be more convenient for the introverts among us, who prefer to make connections while keeping some distance.

53rd Virtual Campus Tour

Distance students taking virtual courses have little experience of your college campus. A tour of the landmarks, lecture halls, and student hangouts on your campus can help you get a feel for the college experience. Grab a camera, microphone and recorder and your favorite walking shoes!

plan

Need more fun college event ideas? also checkcreative ideas to inspire your next event. When you're ready to promote your events, useEventbrite-Boost, the all-in-one marketing platform for event creators. Whether you're connecting people in person or virtually, hosting poetry readings, mariachi classes, or concerts, you've got plenty to do. Eventbrite Boost makes it easy to reach new people, gain fans and followers, and drive traffic—right from your Eventbrite account.