College move-in weekend is a huge milestone event for students and their families. It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories and make a great first impression. Branded promo items and kits can play a big role in enhancing this experience, providing practical essentials and fun keepsakes that make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
In this blog, we’ll give you eight ways to use promotional items to create an unforgettable move-in weekend that resonates with students and sets a positive tone for their college journey.
Why Move-In Weekend Is So Memorable
For new students, especially freshmen or new students, move-in weekend can bring a flood of emotions, from excitement and anticipation, to nervousness and even anxiety. Here’s why:
1. It’s a time of transition and adjustment. College move-in weekend marks the beginning of a significant transition for new students as they adapt to living away from home, managing their own schedules, and becoming more independent. For families, it’s an emotional milestone as they support their child in this new chapter, giving them a sense of confidence and readiness for the changes ahead.
2. Students start building their new community. This weekend offers an opportunity for students to meet roommates, classmates, and dorm neighbors, helping to establish a sense of community and belonging. Forming early connections can ease the anxiety of starting college and create a supportive social network they can count on throughout their academic journey.
3. Students attend orientation and get access to helpful resources. Move-in weekend typically includes various orientation activities, workshops, and tours that introduce students to campus resources, academic support, and extracurricular opportunities. For families, these sessions provide insights into how they can support their student’s success and well-being from afar.
4. Students enjoy support from family members and friends during the move. The presence of family during move-in can provide much-needed emotional support for students as they navigate the initial excitement and nerves of starting college. This special weekend also offers a chance for families to spend quality time together, strengthening their bond before parting ways until their student comes home for a visit.
8 Kits to Give Students on Move-In Day
By incorporating these branded promotional products into the welcome experience, college staffers can make move-in weekend memorable and help new students feel excited and prepared for their journey ahead.
Try out one or more of these heart-warming ideas that will show students you really care.
1. Welcome kits with essentials: Create welcome kits that include branded essentials like lanyards, keychains, reusable water bottles, magnets and more in sturdy tote bags. These items are practical for daily use and help students feel part of the college community from day one.
2. Move-in day survival kit: Pack a survival kit in a lunch tote with branded snacks, a mini first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, and a map of the campus. This thoughtful touch can ease the stress of move-in day and offer immediate convenience.
3. Dorm room décor: Offer items like posters, pennants, and wall decals featuring your college logo or mascot. These can help students personalize their space and make their dorm feel like home right away.
4. Academic supplies: Give students branded notebooks, pens, planners, and highlighters in a handy drawstring bag or mini backpack. These items promote school spirit and also help students get organized for the academic year ahead.
5. Comfort items: Students will love branded blankets, pillows, or stress-relief items like squeeze balls or fidget spinners. These can provide comfort and relaxation as students settle into their new environment.
6. Technology accessories: Everyone can use tech accessories such as branded phone chargers, USB drives, earbuds and portable speakers. Students will appreciate these practical items and ensure they’re ready for both study and entertainment.
7. Event invitations and freebies: Hand out invitations to welcome events, mixers, or campus tours, along with freebies like branded sunglasses, caps, or t-shirts. This encourages participation and fosters a sense of belonging.
8. Health and wellness kits: Distribute pouches or drawstring bags that include items like branded face masks, sun block, chapstick, and wellness brochures. Emphasizing health and wellness can show that your college cares about students’ well-being.
Make Your College Move-In Weekend Unforgettable With Branded Merch From Campus Stop
Campus Stop offers a variety of promotional items and branded apparel to enhance your college move-in weekend. Our experienced creative team delivers superior customer service, competitive pricing, and award-winning designs exclusively tailored to colleges and universities.
From admissions to student life, orientation events, and beyond, Campus Stop provides branded merchandise that excites, engages, and connects with your new students. We understand the “why” behind every project, ensuring goal clarity and delivering merchandise that builds school pride.
Visit us at www.campusstop.com or email us directly at sales@campusstop.com to learn how Campus Stop can make your college move-in weekend unforgettable with our wide range of promotional items and branded apparel.