15 Student Resident Welcome Event Ideas

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2013, encompasses the age range making up the largest population of current college students aged 18-24.This makes them them the ideal demographic for student housing.

Gen Zers have distinctive preferences for digital-first interactions, convenience, amenities, and sales and communications. However, this digital-first approach can make Zoomers lonely, with many seeking a feeling of belonging and safety from their student housing experience. This makes hosting events critical for off-campus housing providers looking to foster a sense of community among student residents – many of whom are living in a new neighborhood or around other students for the first time.

Successfully fostering community means reaching student residents where they’re at: leveraging digital tools for invitations to in-person events that help residents connect to the community in which they live. Events that facilitate connections with their new neighborhood – local restaurants, shops, etc. – are even more effective.

Welcome Event Ideas for Student Residents

Here are 15 ways you can help create community and encourage social interaction between student residents before the semester even begins

1. Food Truck Party

“Food Truck Fridays” (and similar events) have earned a stellar reputation nationwide. The mnemonic naming makes them easy to recall. Consider offering free ice cream or dessert if the tab is too expensive to cover the cost of an entire meal for all student residents. Don’t forget to ask residents to vote for their favorite trucks in case you want to invite them back throughout the year.

2. Picnic

These work well to build community, especially if you ask student residents to bring a dish. Given food allergies, please request that known allergens, such as gluten or nuts, be labeled. You can easily turn the picnic into an icebreaker by allowing attendees to ask four questions to determine which dish they brought.

3. Volunteer Day

This event is typically a home run, as it unites residents behind a common cause. And, if residents are new to the community, it highlights issues that are distinctive to your area. Be sure to check with your local university (or universities) or with student residents to be sure that your event doesn’t conflict with major campus events or exam periods.

4. Trivia Games

Trivia nights have surged in popularity. 82% of Americans have visited at least one such event, and over 50% said they would return!¹ In short, trivia contests allow residents to flex their competitive muscles while enjoying a massive dose of fun.

5. Exercise Activities & Fitness Classes

Whether it’s a hike, circuit training, yoga, or Zumba, these activities work the social and heart muscles.

6. Educational Events

Student residents are eager to learn, but events must be presented in a fun and engaging environment. Compare “How to Save for Retirement,” which seems like a million years away for Gen Z, to “10 Surprising Ways to Save for Spring Break”. Add a cool quotient to entice residents to register, such as covering “free” vacations where some volunteer work or other contribution covers all or most of the cost.

7. Pizza Party

This event encourages interaction, especially when residents form teams to create specific pizzas. One team can create a meat lover’s paradise while others focus on exotic ingredients such as anchovies, pineapple, or artichokes. Hint: Rent extra pizza ovens for outside use.

8. Karaoke Night

Let your residents shine bright as they unleash their favorite song under the stars. Make it a theme night and offer both cocktails and mocktails.

9. Cooking Classes

In this era of DoorDash and Uber Eats, many students don’t know how to cook, but are interested in learning. Create a calendar that covers the basics (pasta) as well as more advanced topics such as sauces, grilling fish, secrets to great burgers, and making your own ramen.

10. Chili Cook-Off

Bring out the chefs with a chili cook-off contest. Allow residents to vote and create a prize for the winner.

11. Arts & Crafts Workshops

These types of classes encourage student residents to create art for their rooms, providing supplies such as paintbrushes, paint, canvas, and any other necessary materials. Most importantly, also hire an instructor who can lead the class in creating their own Picassos.

12. Tailgate Party

Get student residents in the spirit for fall sports by hosting a tailgate party ahead of a season kickoff game. Serve burgers and brats plus sodas and mocktails to get students fueled up for their time at the stadium.

13. Movie Night

Host a movie night in the common area or clubhouse. Ask student residents to vote on the choice in film; bonus points if you poll for residents’ preferences on social media.

14. Espresso Bar

Set students up for success on the first day of the semester by creating a “drive thru” coffee stand in the lobby or common area of your community. Be sure to offer tea and cocoa for the non-coffee drinkers.

15. Therapy Animal Visit

Studies show that students who interact with therapy animals experience fewer signs of stress and depression. Many organizations can facilitate vists of dogs and other animals; check with your local therapy pet organization for more information.

Leverage Your Smart Lockers

Although primarily intended for packages, you can use your lockers for welcome notes, keys, move-in documents, invitations, prizes, reminder notes, and updates. It’s a great way to introduce residents to the ease, convenience, and accessibility of lockers as they start to receive their back-to-school packages.

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Are you package-prepped for the fall semester? Speak to a Parcel Pending representative today to find out how we can get lockers installed at your community before students start moving in for the year.

Sources:

1. Sheidlower, Noah. Question: How are some bars boosting profits? Answer: Trivia nights. www.cnbc.com. April 7, 2023. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/07/trivia-night-boosts-profit-for-bars-restaurants.html