16 Welcome Gift Ideas for Student Residents

Fall is finally in the air! Students have settled in for the semester, and student housing operators and parents alike are wondering how to deliver them a dose of cheer. The answer? Welcome gifts that are both useful and thoughtful!

This blog explores how multifamily off-campus operators and on-campus resident administrators can provide inspiration for gifts and care packages that make a lasting impression on student residents.

Unlocking Potential: The Power of Student Resident Engagement

Research indicates that solid campus communities provide support and engagement for students.¹ Communities help create a sense of belonging, increasing retention and graduation rates. Satisfied students also act as brand ambassadors, promoting their institution through personal communication and social media posts.

16 Care Package Ideas that Show You Care

Student resident welcome gifts should balance practicality with indulgence: here, we divide them so you can offer options for both categories.

Practical Welcome Gifts:

1. Tech Accessories — Portable phone chargers, power banks, power strips, extra-long charging cords, phone stands, and cord organizers are all welcome gifts, as outlets can sometimes be few in number or inconveniently located.
2. First Aid Kit — Although not necessarily one of the top 10 most wanted items, this one is essential. Student residents need bandages, antiseptics, antibacterial ointment, aspirin, acetaminophen, and hydrocortisone cream. Allergy, cold, and flu medications are also helpful.
3. Laundry Essentials — Laundry bags (consider a backpack style), dryer sheets, detergent sheets (instead of lugging heavy liquid soap), fabric softener, a lint roller, and mesh bags for delicates are all helpful to have on hand. For student athletes, consider gifting laundry boosters to help get rid of odors and keep clothes fresh.
4. Student ID Holder — The student identification card unlocks everything on campus from buildings to laundry rooms, dorm rooms, and libraries. It even allows student residents to pay for meals, check out books, or charge their laundry to their account. Having a cool lanyard or phone wallet allows for easy, daily access.
5. Space Heater/Fan — Sharing a suite can make getting the right temperature tricky. A portable heater or fan can make even Goldilocks smile.
6. Sleeping Gear — Ear plugs, a sleep mask, and new pajamas work wonders to get student residents quickly to the land of z’s.
7. School Supplies — Yes, scissors, highlighters, sticky notes, pens, focus books, and notebooks are still needed in this digital age.
8. Safety — Flashlight, hand sanitizer, personal alarm, and pepper spray (if allowed) are always good to have on hand.
9. Book Store Gift Card — Since on-campus bookstores are not just for textbooks, a gift card allows for branded swag (everyone needs a hoodie) as well as school supplies.
10. Coffee Pot/Tea Pot — Brew-by-cup coffee makers are the answer to early morning classes. A fast-heating hot water pot makes a cup of tea quickly.
11. Shower Kit — This kit organizes bathroom essentials, including shower shoes, body wash, a shower caddy, razors, toothpaste, and floss.

Fun Welcome Gifts:

1. Food/Coffee Gift Card — A variety of gift cards for places on or near campus is a delight. Since students are fueled by caffeine, include at least one gift card for java or tea.
2. Snack Pack — All student residents need chips, pretzels, gummies, tortilla chips, and more. Indulge them with a basket that includes single-serving sizes of their favorites.
3. Chocolate Basket — Besides salty snacks, heavy studying and stress demand chocolate. A pre-made pack is the most straightforward option.
4. Monthly Club — Whether it’s makeup, cheese, coffee, tea, or snacks, monthly clubs abound. Explore students’ favorites.
5. Self-Care Box — This box brims with goodies such as bath bombs, hand lotion, lip balms, face masks, and foot booties, reminding students to care for themselves.

All Welcome Gifts are Welcome

The power of a thoughtful welcome gift extends far beyond the initial moment of joy it brings. These carefully curated care packages serve as tangible reminders of support, helping students navigate campus life’s exciting yet challenging world. By giving or encouraging families to send these meaningful gifts, multifamily off-campus operators and on-campus resident administrators can play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and community. This simple act contributes significantly to student well-being, engagement, and academic success.

Smart Lockers as the Smart Delivery Solution

Regardless of the type of welcome pack, parents and student residents want to know that their packages are delivered safely and securely. Lockers reduce wait times for package retrieval and improve the student experience. Students can also pick up orders on their schedule; pick-up might be available 24/7/365, depending on the location. With pickup times as fast as 7 seconds, it’s no surprise that 95% of locker users are likely to become repeat customers.

Ready to deliver more for your student residents? Speak with a Parcel Pending representative to find out how smart lockers can help.

Sources:

1. Flaherty, Colleen. Survey: Inequities in Student Involvement. www.insidehighered.com. September 22, 2023. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/college-experience/2023/09/22/survey-barriers-college-students-campus