3 Tactics to Try at Your Next College Event

Why College Events Matter

College events are key to building a sense of community and belonging among students. These events give students a chance to connect with their peers, try new things and get into the campus vibe. By attending well run events students can make lifelong friends, learn new skills and have experiences that make their college journey all the more worthwhile.

Also engaging events can have a big impact on student retention and satisfaction. When students feel connected to their campus and peers they are more likely to stay motivated and committed to their studies. So colleges need to keep innovating and offering diverse activities that cater to their student body.

The Three Approaches

To make college events work you need to use a range of tactics that appeal to different student preferences. This article will look at three: interactive activities, technology and community and collaboration. Each of these approaches offers a different way to engage students and create campus buzz.

By using these approaches colleges can increase student attendance and have events that are fun and meaningful. From local tours and nature walks to social media and community partnerships these approaches cover it all.

Tactic 1: Interactive Activities

Local Tours and Nature Walks

One way to engage students is to host local tours and nature walks. These activities help students get to know their surroundings and discover local attractions, restaurants and recreational areas. Local tours can be on foot, by bus or even by bike so are accessible to all students especially freshmen who are new to the area.

Nature tours are for students who are interested in the outdoors, botany or conservation. These tours can include visits to local gardens, hikes and opportunities to identify local flora and fauna. Working with the agriculture department can add an extra layer to these tours by educating students about endangered species and local environmental conservation efforts.

Scavenger Hunts and Campus Crawls

Scavenger hunts and campus crawls are another fun and interactive way to engage students. These activities get students to explore the campus and surrounding areas in teams. Scavenger hunts can include various landmarks and hidden gems around the campus so it’s educational and fun.

Campus crawls such as museum or market tours can also be run with provided transportation. These crawls help students discover local restaurants and support local businesses. By turning the traditional bar crawl into a non-alcohol related activity colleges can create inclusive events that appeal to a wider range of students.

Interactive Workshops and Classes

Interactive workshops and classes give students the chance to learn new skills and get hands on. These events can cover everything from cooking and crafting to coding and photography. By giving students a platform to explore their interests and passions colleges can create a culture of lifelong learning and personal development.

Workshops and classes can be led by senior students or local experts so add a personal touch and credibility to the experience. This not only enhances the learning but also peer to peer interaction and mentoring.

Tactic 2: Technology

Social Media Event Posts and Pages

In this digital age using social media is key to promoting college events and engaging students. Creating event posts and pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can help spread the word and build hype. These posts can include event details, photos and videos to grab students attention and get them to participate.

Social media also allows for real time feedback so event organisers can respond to questions and concerns quickly. By being active online colleges can keep students informed and engaged with upcoming events.

QR Codes and Interactive Posters

QR codes and interactive posters are another way to give students easy access to event information. By scanning a QR code students can quickly get event details, registration forms and other relevant info on their smartphones. This makes it easy and modern.

Interactive posters can also be placed around the campus to grab students attention. These posters can include eye catching visuals and interactive elements to get students to find out more about the event and participate.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences

Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) experiences are a new and immersive way to engage students. These can be used to create virtual campus tours, interactive exhibits and even virtual events. By using VR and AR in college events organisers can give students a memorable and cutting edge experience.

For example a virtual campus tour can help new students explore the campus from the comfort of their own homes, while an AR exhibit can bring historical landmarks to life. These experiences not only engage students but also show the college is committed to innovation and technology.

Tactic 3: Community and Collaboration

Partnering With Local Businesses and Sponsors

Partnering with local businesses and sponsors can really boost college events by bringing in extra resources and support. Local businesses can offer discounts, prizes or even host events at their venues so it’s a win win. This helps students discover local businesses and strengthens the college’s relationship with the community.

Sponsors can also provide financial support or in-kind donations so you can host bigger and better events. By partnering with local businesses and sponsors colleges can create events that are impactful and memorable.

Working With Campus Clubs and Organisations

Working with campus clubs and organisations is another way to engage students and create diverse events. These groups often have unique insights and resources that can help make an event successful. By involving clubs and organisations in the planning and execution colleges can ensure events cater for a wide range of interests and needs.

Also collaboration brings a sense of community and teamwork among students. It’s an opportunity for different groups to come together, share ideas and work towards a common goal. This not only enhances the event experience but also the overall campus community.

Charity Events and Volunteering

Organising charity events and volunteering is a great way to engage students while giving back to the community. These can include fundraisers, donation drives and community service projects. By participating in these activities students can make a positive impact and develop social responsibility.

Charity events and volunteering also give students valuable experiences and skills that will benefit them in their future careers. They get to work in teams, develop leadership skills and connect with local organisations. Overall these events add to a rounded and fulfilling college experience.

Three Tactics Summarised

In summary hosting engaging college events is a combination of interactive activities, technology and community and collaboration. By hosting local tours and nature walks, scavenger hunts and campus crawls, interactive workshops and classes colleges can create events that are fun and meaningful.

Also using social media, QR codes and virtual and augmented reality experiences can boost event promotion and engagement. Partnering with local businesses, working with campus clubs and charity events add to a lively and connected campus community.

Try These Out

Colleges should try these out for their students. By always innovating and adapting to the changing needs and preferences of students colleges can create a sense of community and belonging that adds to the overall college experience.

These will help students connect with each other and their surroundings and provide valuable learning experiences. By investing in well planned and diverse events colleges can ensure their students have a great college life.

Get in Touch for Feedback and More Ideas

Students, faculty and event organisers please get in touch with your feedback and ideas for future college events. Your input helps us create events that really speak to the student body and campus life. Let’s keep innovating and creating great experiences for all students.

Email us your thoughts and let us know how we can improve and add more events. Let’s make every college event a hit!