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We've all heard the adage: college students love free stuff. That being said, selecting promotional items that appeal to the college demographic is a different story. College students, interested as they may be in free items, are not looking for cheap, unusable college swag that they'll simply throw in the trash later. Rather, they are seeking useful products they'll use throughout their college career, and potentially beyond, which, being honest, is your ideal scenario when your ultimate goal is driving maximum impressions. With that in mind, we wanted to give you some insight into the best college promotional items.
Best Time and Place for College Student Giveaways
When handing out giveaways for college students, timing and location are both key factors to consider. The best time to hand out giveaways is during peak traffic hours on campus, such as before and after classes or during typical lunch breaks. The most effective locations to hand out giveaways are at high-traffic areas on campus, such as the student union or near popular buildings and lecture halls. Additionally, setting up a booth at campus events and activities, such as sporting events or concerts, is an effective way to reach a large number of college students at once. Overall, targeting college students during their busy and active times on campus, in high-traffic areas, and at events will increase the chances of reaching and engaging a larger audience.
When would college swag items be helpful?
College swag items would be helpful in various scenarios, while simultaneously contributing to a sense of community, school pride, and engagement. The following are specific situations in which college swag items would be beneficial:
College Orientations
During college orientations, distributing swag items, such as t-shirts, hats, and backpacks, can make new students feel welcome and excited about their upcoming college journey. These items not only serve as mementos, but also help incoming students start their college experience with a sense of belonging.
Recruitment and Marketing
College swag plays a crucial role in recruitment efforts, whether during college fairs, campus tours, or other marketing events. Providing prospective students with promotional items can showcase the college or university's identity, leaving a lasting impression that could impact their final enrollment decision.
Student Engagement
Swag items can be used as incentives for student engagement. For instance, offering branded merchandise to students who participate in campus activities, clubs, or achieve academic milestones can encourage continued involvement. Additionally, college promo items can enhance the overall college experience.
Alumni Relations
Alumni events and reunions can benefit from college swag items. By giving out branded merchandise, such as mugs, shirts, or keychains, alumni can demonstrate their continued support and connection to the college or university, strengthening the bond between the institution and its graduates.
Campus Events and Traditions
Tailgating and sporting events are both ideal occasions for distributing college swag. Branded apparel, foam fingers, and other tailgate giveaways contribute to a spirited atmosphere, fostering team loyalty and school pride among students, alumni, and fans alike.
Student Welcome Packs
Providing new students with welcome packs that include practical college swag items, such as water bottles, notebooks, and campus maps, can ease their transition into college life, helping them prepare for the academic journey ahead.
Fundraising and Donor Appreciation
College swag items can serve as incentives for donors during fundraising campaigns, encouraging contributions and showing appreciation for their support. Branded gifts can also be used to acknowledge and thank donors for their generosity.
Employee Recognition
College swag items can be used to recognize and appreciate faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication. This simple gesture boosts morale, promotes team spirit, and creates a positive work environment.
These are only a few examples of when and where to give away college promotional items; the possibilities are endless!
10 College Swag Ideas
1. Water Bottles
Popular College Promotional Item: Thor Copper Vacuum Insulated Bottle
Rather than slapping your university logo on another, plain, boring, plastic water bottle, opt instead for a more durable, visually appealing water bottle, such as the Thor Copper Vacuum Insulated Bottle. This double wall, stainless steel, thermal bottle features copper insulation and a modern, sophisticated look. So not only will their drink stay the exact temperature they prefer, but it'll also look amazing in the process. So if you're going for trendy and practical, this college giveaway is the total package.
2. Umbrellas
Popular College Promotional Item: Arc Edge Two-Tone Umbrella
Walking to class everyday is a hassle, especially when you have to deal with the elements. Providing umbrellas as an early college giveaway will ensure every rainy day is another opportunity to make an impression! The Arc Edge Two-Tone Umbrella will keep them dry on their trek to and from class, advertising your brand all the while. Talk about a win-win!
3. Drawstring Bags
Popular College Promotional Item: Branded Tie Dye Drawstring Bag
Many colleges and universities opt for drawstring bags as a giveaway item, but the quality of that bag is directly proportional to the amount of times a college student will actually use it. The Tie Dye Drawstring Bag is an inexpensive college giveaway with a trendy, tie dye design that will draw all eyes to your logo. Plus, that trendy color ensures your giveaway will experience repeat use throughout its lifetime.
4. Power Banks
Popular College Promotional Item: Branded Jolt 2200 mAh Power Bank
Give them the power to go, all day long! The Jolt 2,200 mAh Power Bank is a great option due to its compact size, perfect for tucking neatly away in a college students' backpack. And with the growing cellphone dependency, this is a surefire way to elicit promotional product usage, which is great news for your brand! Whether a student is using a power bank in class, on the quad, or while traveling for the weekend, your brand will receive a maximum number of impressions. Oh, and students will think positively of your brand since it's constantly bringing their beloved phone back to life!
5. T-Shirts
Popular College Promotional Item: Bella + Canvas Viscose Fashion Tee
The promotional tee is an oldie but a goodie for a reason: it works. Still, many colleges and universities make the mistake of selecting a t-shirt giveaway without thinking through the quality of the item. It boils down to this: the higher the quality of the apparel item, the more likely a student is to wear it, again and again. The Bella + Canvas Viscose Fashion Tee is trendy, looks good on both men and women, and is constructed from high quality material, ensuring college students opt to grab your branded shirt from their closets more often than not.
6. Notebooks
Popular College Promotional Item: Ambassador Carbon Fiber Bound Journalbook
Cheap pens no longer cut it as college giveaways. That said, students are always in need of supplies, so providing a high-quality notebook is a fantastic solution! The Ambassador Carbon Fiber Bound Journalbook provides students with the perfect note-taking tool for that first day in a class that doesn't allow laptops. And any time you can save a student a trip to the bookstore within the first week of classes, you've easily saved them an hour of waiting in line, so well done!
7. Sunglasses
Popular College Promotional Item: Aviator Sunglasses
Cheap sunglasses aren't going to make it much further than the trash with the college demographic, but these Aviator Sunglasses are available at a low cost, without diminishing their high quality. This ultimately ensures college students will wear them, time and time again. All you need to do is brand the sunglasses, let the college students swarm to your booth to grab their pair, and sit back while they do all of your advertising for you.
8. Phone Stands
Popular College Promotional Item: Cell Phone Ring and Stand
Why not use college students' attachment to their phones as a branding opportunity? Cellphone stands and holders are a popular retail item, which means, from a promotional product standpoint, you're getting prime real estate for your college or university logo. Think about it; college students always have their phones on them, so with one giveaway, you've now exponentially increased your brand's reach.
9. Earbuds
Popular College Promotional Item: Earbuds in Case
This college giveaway will be music to their ears, literally. This giveaway will have everyone buzzing, whether being used while waiting for classes to start, while hopping on a call with loved ones back home, or simply while walking across campus for the hundredth time. Plus, these earbuds come with a carrying case, perfect for your university logo.
10. Hoodies
Popular College Promotional Item: Eco Jersey Hooded Full Zip
College and university hoodies are a college swag favorite with students, so why not hop on that bandwagon? The Eco Jersey Hooded Full Zip is high quality, has an eco-friendly component, and is guaranteed to become their favorite apparel item. What does that mean for you? Every recipient will likely hold onto their branded hoodie, still opting to wear it, long after graduation.
Whether drawing the attention of high school prospects, sharing university love with newly admitted students, or thanking upperclassmen for their dedication to your school, college giveaways are an essential means of promoting your college or university effectively, throughout the college lifecycle. If the idea of selecting the perfect college giveaway still seems daunting, we are always happy to help! Feel free to reach out and one of our knowledgeable account managers will assist you!
