The demands of college life can weigh on students’ mental health. Creative workshops offer a much-needed “brain break” while also providing a fun social outlet.
● NatterDoodle’s “Paint Your Pet” or “Learn to Letter” workshops let students leave with something handmade and meaningful.
● Plenty O’Cookies’ cookie decorating events combine creativity and comfort food (and double as Instagram-worthy fun)
● Mission Masterpiece: Paint & Sip adds a social twist with campus-themed mocktails – Rutgers University hosted one recently and maxed out capacity.
These hands-on sessions are perfect examples of how to engage students through creative outlets that blend stress relief, skill-building, and social connection.
College is as much about building friendships as it is about academics. Events that make it easier for students to meet new people can turn strangers into lifelong friends.
Think dance parties, scavenger hunts, novelty events, and variety acts – activities that lower the pressure and open doors for conversation.
● The CampFireball storytelling experience (recently hosted by Kutztown University as part of Welcome Week with 600+ students) gets both introverts and extroverts laughing and sharing stories together.
● RhythmetriX drumming sessions combine rhythm, mindfulness, and teamwork – a unique way to connect while relieving stress.
● The Ultimate Toss Tour, featuring the ACL Pros, turns cornhole into an unforgettable competitive experience that students will brag about years later.
These kinds of interactive programs show how to keep kids engaged while also giving them a reason to come back for the next campus event.
Studying doesn’t have to feel lonely or stressful. By transforming ordinary study spaces into community hubs, you can make academic life more engaging.
● Add a DJ spinning lo-fi beats or a local musician playing acoustic sets.
● Host “study socials” with snacks, coffee, and tutors offering tips.
● Experiment with “morning raves” – sober-friendly dance parties where students grab coffee and kick-start their day with movement and music. Host your own “morning rave” with live DJs on campus and see how your own students react!
The approach turns routine into ritual – and helps students see campus as more than just a place to cram for exams.
Students love high-energy events, but movement doesn’t always have to mean the typical dance party.
● Classic options like Roller Raves and Headphone Disco remain staples.
● Miss Savannah Belle’s Southern Stomp brings a fresh spin, teaching students popular line dances while tapping into the cowboy hat and boots trend sweeping campuses.
● For something different, RhythmetriX drumming circles combine physical activity with mental benefits, making it ideal for finals week stress relief.
By mixing tradition with novelty, you can keep students active and excited about showing up.
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” — Victor Borge
Few things build community faster than laughter. Comedy and variety acts offer low-barrier entertainment that creates instant shared memories.
● Mentalists, jugglers, and magicians leave students buzzing with “How did they do that?!” moments.
● Comedians and improv groups like Free Daps freestyle over pop culture beats, pulling in the audience for completely unique shows. (Imagine getting your own verse about campus life dropped over a Lil Wayne beat – instant TikTok gold.)
These performers turn your event into a story students can’t wait to retell.
The quickest way to ensure turnout? Tie your programming to what’s trending.
● Host a Taylor Swift night (“Swift Night”) tied to her highly anticipated new album The Life of a Showgirl.
● Plan a “Boogie Down Broadway or Wicked themed PaintU party.
● Stream the VMAs or Grammy’s with a red-carpet-style watch party.
● Invite talent like Danny Franzese (Damian from Mean Girls) to emcee events or Q&As around Mean Girls Day. Popular award shows like the Grammys or the VMAs also offer a chance to coordinate popular events like open mics, talent shows, or live watch parties.
Pop culture is a shared language for students – tapping into it guarantees programming feels timely and relevant.
Campus engagement isn’t just about big-name concerts. The most impactful events are often the ones that surprise, delight, and make students feel connected to each other. From creative workshops and scavenger hunts to comedians and pop culture tie-ins, these programs build the sense of belonging students crave.
At Degy Entertainment, we specialize in helping campuses design events that engage students, build community, and keep them coming back. Whether you’re planning a Welcome Week lineup, a mid-semester mental health break, or a high-energy novelty act, our team has the experience and artist network to make it happen.
Let’s talk about your next event.