100 College Event Ideas for Students on Campus [2023]

Are you looking to host college events that students will actually want to attend? A fun campus event attracts a crowd and engages students. These college event ideas listed below can also help build school spirit and camaraderie among your student body.

Check out these 100 college event ideas that are perfect for any campus!

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100 College Event Ideas for Student Body Participation

Host a music concert

A free music concert is something most people will enjoy! You could have a variety of music genres or stick to one type.

Host a trivia night

Trivia nights are always popular and they are a great way to get students engaged. You can either do this on your own or team up with another campus organization.

Throw a party

Who doesn’t love a good party? Themed parties are especially fun. Be sure to advertise well in advance so everyone knows about it.

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.

Have a movie night

A classic movie night is always a hit with students. Be sure to choose movies that everyone will enjoy.

Play sports

Sports are always a popular activity among college students. Whether you play indoors or outdoors, there’s something for everyone.

Host a food drive

Food drives are always important, and they’re a great way to get students involved. You could partner with a local charity or organization. University life is about fun and learning, and what better way to help that mission than with community events that give back?

Do a service project

Service projects are always beneficial, and they’re perfect for college students. There are plenty of organizations that would love to have your help.

Have a dodgeball tournament

Dodgeball tournaments are always a lot of fun. You could either have them as a standalone event or add it to another event.

Have a bake sale

Bake sales are a classic fundraiser and they always do well. Be sure to have plenty of delicious goodies for students to choose from.

Host a charity walk/run

Charity walks and runs are always a great way to raise money for a good cause. You could partner with a local charity or organization.

Visit a nearby amusement park

Amusement parks are always a lot of fun, and students will love the chance to get out and have some fun.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is a great way to get active and have some fun. You could either do this at a local rock climbing gym or outdoors.

Play laser tag

Laser tag is always a blast, and students will love the chance to compete against each other.

Have a karaoke night

Karaoke nights are always a lot of fun, and they provide a great opportunity for students to show off their singing skills even if it’s a hidden talent.

Bowling

Bowling is always a fun activity, and it’s perfect for a night out. You could either go to a local bowling alley or have a bowling tournament.

Volunteer at a homeless shelter

Volunteering at a homeless shelter is a great way to help those in need. You could also partner with another campus organization to do this.

Visit a local museum

Museums are always a great place to learn about different subjects, and students will love the chance to explore them.

Free massages

Who doesn’t love a free massage? Give students free 10 minute massages and the line will be out the door.

Paint night

Paint nights are always popular, and they’re a great way to get creative. Be sure to provide all of the supplies students will need.

Create a puzzle hunt

Puzzle hunts are always a lot of fun, and they’re perfect for a day or night out. You could either create your own puzzles or use ones that are already made. College campuses are made for events like this!

Pet therapy

Pet therapy is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. You could partner with a local pet therapy organization. This may help new students feel less homesick, too!

Promote a campus theatre production

Theatre productions are always a lot of fun, and students will love the chance to see one on campus. This is a great way for current students to support their fellow students even if they aren’t in the same major.

Host a casino night

Casino nights are always popular, and they’re a great way to raise money for a good cause. You could partner with a local charity or organization.

Have a talent show

Talent shows are always a lot of fun, and they provide a great opportunity for students to show off their talents.

Board game night

Board game nights are always popular, and they’re the perfect way to spend a night in. Be sure to have a variety of games for students to choose from.

Host a debate tournament

Debate tournaments are always a lot of fun, and they’re perfect for students who love to argue.

Have a science fair

Science fairs are a throwback to elementary school. Let students get creative!

Host a pizza party

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.

Donate blood

Donating blood is always a good thing to do, and it’s perfect for college students who want to help out those in need.

Meditation class

Meditation classes are a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. You could either partner with a local meditation organization or have your own class.

Goat yoga

If you’re looking for a unique event idea, goat yoga is definitely it. Students will love the chance to do yoga while surrounded by adorable goats.

Board game cafe

Board game cafes are becoming increasingly popular, and students will love the chance to spend a night in playing their favorite games.

Adult Coloring Books

Adult coloring books are a great way to relax and de-stress. You could either provide coloring books and pencils or have a contest to see who can color the best picture. You can even invite students to draw their own and share!

Murder mystery night

Murder mystery nights are always a lot of fun, and they’re perfect for a night out. Students will love trying to solve the mystery.

Scavenger hunts

Scavenger hunts are always a lot of fun, and they’re perfect for a day or night out. You could either create your own hunts or use ones that are already made.

Paint and sip

Paint and sip events are always popular, and they’re a great way to get creative. Be sure to provide all of the supplies students will need.

TEDx Speakers.

TEDx speakers are always a great way to learn about different subjects, and students will love the chance to see one on campus.

Certain student organizations such as the newspaper or student council may enjoy collaborating to host the event.

Olympic games

The Olympic games are always a lot of fun, and they’re perfect for students who love to compete.

Obstacle course

An obstacle course is always a lot of fun, and it’s perfect for students who love to challenge themselves.

Balloon Drop

A balloon drop is always a lot of fun, and it’s perfect for students who are looking for a little excitement.

Celebrity guests

Celebrity guests are always a popular draw, and they’re the perfect way to get students excited about an event.

Alumni Speakers

Alumni speakers are always a great way to get students excited about an event. They can provide valuable insights and advice. This may especially helpful to senior students who are about to graduate.

Pajama party

Pajama parties are always a lot of fun, and they’re the perfect way to spend a night in. Be sure to have a variety of games for students to choose from.

Cooking Lessons

Cooking lessons are perfect for students who love to cook. You could either partner with a local cooking organization or have your own class.

Paint a Mural

Paint a mural is always a lot of fun, and it’s perfect for students who want to get creative. You could either choose a theme or let students come up with their own ideas.

Yoga class

Yoga classes are always a great way to relax and de-stress. You could either partner with a local yoga instructor or have students teach.

Flash mob

A flash mob is always a lot of fun, and it’s perfect for students who love to dance. Be sure to have a choreographed routine or let students come up with their own.

Book club

Book clubs are always a great way to get students excited about reading, and they’re perfect for students who love to discuss books. You could either have your own book club or partner with a local organization.

DIY Crafts

DIY crafts are always a lot of fun, and they’re perfect for students who love to be creative. You could either provide the supplies or have students bring their own.

Community garden

Community gardens are a great way to get students involved in their community, and they’re perfect for students who love to garden. You could either have your own garden or partner with local businesses.

Photo booth

Photo booths are always a lot of fun, and they’re perfect for students who love to take pictures. Be sure to have props for students to use.

Photo backdrops

Set up various backdrops around campus that students can pose in front of and post on social media. Make it fun for them!

Dessert bar

A dessert bar is always a popular draw, and it’s the perfect way to finish an event. Be sure to have a variety of desserts for students to choose from.

Ice cream sundae bar

An ice cream sundae bar is always a lot of fun, and it’s the perfect way to cool down.

Spirit week

Spirit week is always a lot of fun, and it’s perfect for students who love to dress up. You could either choose a theme or let students come up with their own ideas.

Food truck rally

A food truck rally is always a lot of fun, and it’s perfect for students who love to eat.

Comedy night

Comedy nights are always a lot of fun, and they’re perfect for students who love to laugh. Be sure to have a variety of comedians for students to choose from.

Picnic

A picnic is always a great way to spend a day, and it’s perfect for students who love to eat outside. Be sure to have a variety of food options for students to choose from.

Door decorating contest

Door decorating contests are perfect for students who love to be creative. You could either have a theme or let students come up with their own ideas.

Car smash

Car smashes are always a lot of fun, and they’re perfect for students who love to destroy things.

Easter egg hunt

An easter egg hunt is perfect for the spring semester once it starts to get warm out. Leave easter eggs all around campus with little prizes in them.

Pumpkin patch trip

Great for the fall time, organize a trip to the pumpkin patch.

Apple Orchard Trip

Just like above, take students to the apple orchard for a fun fall weekend.

Fall Festival

If your campus has a fall festival, take advantage of it! It’ll be a lot of fun for students.

Thanksgiving Feast

What’s better than spending Thanksgiving with friends? Have a Thanksgiving feast on campus and let students bring their favorite dishes to share.

Christmas Party

Christmas is the perfect time for a party, so why not have one on campus? Be sure to have a lot of Christmas-themed games for students to play.

New Year’s Eve Party

Ring in the new year with a bang by throwing a party on campus! Be sure to have lots of food and drinks for students to enjoy.

Professional headshots

Hire a photographer and let students get professional headshots taken for free. Help your student body put their best foot forward.

Sign Language Classes

Teach the introductory signs and help each other communicate better.

Language Nights

Devote a night to learning basic phrases from various languages. These can even be held as virtual events if needed, and what better way to attract speakers across the globe?!

Breakfast for Dinner

College students love free food and they love brunch! You may be able to include local restaurants to participate.

Walk a Thon

Walk a thon to raise money for a good cause.

Charity Auction

Host a charity auction and have students bid on various items.

Car Wash

Students can wash cars to help raise money for a good cause.

Trampoline Park

Take a group to the trampoline park for a day of bouncing around.

Giveaways

People love free stuff, and giving away small prizes is a great way to get students excited about your event.

Raffles

Another great way to giveaway prizes is by having a raffle. This will make students eager to buy tickets.

“Your School” Day

Dedicate a whole day to school pride. 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.

“Your State” Day

Dedicate a whole day to celebrating the state your school is located in!

Homecoming

Host a homecoming dance and game to celebrate your school spirit.

Graduation Party

Throw a graduation party for all of the students who will be graduating.

Gingerbread House Contest

Have a gingerbread house contest to see who can make the best one.

Holiday Tree Lighting

Light up your campus for the holidays with a festive tree lighting ceremony.

Snowman Building Contest

See who can build the best snowman on campus.

Tax Night

Teach students how to do their taxes. It’s a valuable life skill many students aren’t prepared for once they graduate!

Personal Finance Night

Teach students about personal finance and how to budget their money.

Ice Skating

Take a group to the ice rink for a day of skating.

Embroidery Class

Learn how to embroider and make personalized gifts for your friends.

Arts and Crafts Night

Take a night to do various arts and crafts projects.

Sewing Class

Teach students how to sew and make their own clothes.

Pottery Class

Learn how to work with clay and make beautiful pottery.

Knitting Class

Teach students how to knit and make cozy winter clothes.

Cooking Class

Teach students how to cook their favorite dishes.

Bingo

Host a bingo night and see who can win the most rounds.

Wheel of Fortune

Host a wheel of fortune night! Everyone loves a game show with high stakes.

Spelling Bee

College edition! Let each other see who can out-spell the competition.

Netflix Party

Host a Netflix party and play some popular shows.

Mario Party or Mario Kart Party

Race each other in Mario Party or Mario Kart!

Real Life Clue

Play a game of Clue on campus and see who can solve the mystery first…which may be a great idea to include faculty members as characters!

In Summary: College Event Ideas

The best way to boost student engagement is to be creative, innovative, and include student input. There are so many great event ideas that you can try out at your college campus! University events don’t have to be boring, they don’t have to be limited to either a panel discussion or local city tours (though both can be great ideas).

Be creative! And remember, college students love free things! They also love fun things so anything that is free and fun is sure to be a hit. Good luck!