As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, college students nationwide are gearing up for summer. Whether taking summer classes, hitting the beach, or just hanging out on campus, having the right gear can make all the difference to them. Branded products aren’t just about showing school spirit. These items blend functionality with pride, making every logoed item your students wear or use a testament to their college experience.
To get your summer vibes flowing, we’ve rounded up our list of essential branded items perfect for keeping cool and looking great on campus or at the beach.
Why You Should Heat Up Your Summer Branding
When you give students useful branded merch for the summer months, you can significantly boost your branding efforts as you foster a sense of unity and pride within your community.
Here are three reasons why this strategy is so effective:
1. Your brand gets seen far and wide. Summer breaks often see students traveling, engaging in internships, or participating in community events. Students using branded merchandise like t-shirts, water bottles, or sun hats during these activities extend your college’s visibility beyond campus boundaries. Each item is a mobile advertisement showcasing your college brand in diverse environments and reaching a broader audience. Your students help amplify your college's presence, sparking interest and recognition in different regions and among various demographic groups.
2. You increase school spirit and identity. Branded merch is a powerful tool for fostering school spirit. When students wear or use items featuring your college’s logo, it helps to reinforce their sense of belonging and pride in their institution of choice -- particularly impactful during the summer when students are off campus.
3. Your promo items encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Students often meet new people during the summer through travel, work, or social events. When they use or wear college-branded merchandise, it naturally invites questions and discussions about their school. This word-of-mouth marketing is incredibly valuable since it’s genuine and driven by the students’ experiences and stories. Potential students and their families can get even more interested in your institution, helping to grow your community and enhance your school’s reputation.
10 Summer Products College Students Will Love to Use
For college students looking to enjoy their summer while sporting their school pride, here are 10 branded products and wearables perfect for the warmer months:
1. Branded Water Bottles: Staying hydrated on hot days is a must, not a maybe. A stylish, reusable water bottle with your college name and logo is practical and eco-friendly. Plus, it’s an excellent way for students to show off their school pride 24/7.
2. Sun Protection Packs: For more active students who enjoy summers on the beach and in the Great Outdoors hiking and cycling, they’ll love a combo pack of sunscreen and lip balm in a handy pack or hung on a carabiner.
3. Custom Flip Flops: Perfect for the pool, beach, or just lounging around campus, flip-flops are a summer staple you can customize with your school colors and logos. Some flip-flop styles allow us to add your logo to the bottom of the shoe, leaving a trail of your logo in the sand with every step!
4. Sun Hats or Baseball Caps: Protect against the sun while showcasing school spirit! A wide-brimmed sun hat or a classic baseball cap with your college logo or mascot emblem is ideal for sunny days.
5. Lightweight T-shirts: Breathable, soft t-shirts with school logos are great stylish comfort during summer classes or outdoor events. Campus Stop can help you choose a shirt that will be the “best-loved tee” they reach for first before heading out for the day.
6. Sunglasses: Custom sunglasses protect wearers’ eyes from harmful UV rays and add a stylish touch to any summer outfit. Choose from chic to fun designs to suit any event or mood, and customize them with your school’s colors or a small logo.
7. Beach Towels and Cooling Towels: Custom beach towels are perfect for trips to the beach or afternoons at the pool. Plus, they offer a massive canvas for showcasing school pride with your logo and vibrant colors. When wet, cooling towels stay cool and provide instant relief from the heat. They’re a great summer item for college students because they help keep them comfortable during outdoor activities, sports, and events.
8. Portable Fans: Oh, we love those hot, breezeless dog days of summer (not). That’s why small, branded handheld fans can be a lifesaver during particularly sweltering days or outdoor events. Your student recipients will thank you for the cool air your fan sends their way!
9. Insulated Cooler Bags: Ideal for picnics, beach days, or any outdoor activities on or off campus, these handy bags keep beverages and snacks cool and fresh, all while displaying your college logo. There’s a perfect chance that students will use these bags all year round and bring them back to campus in the fall.
10. Umbrellas: Not just for rain, umbrellas with UV protection are excellent for providing shade during outdoor summer events or walks between classes any time of the year.
Elevate Your Summer Marketing Vibes With Branded Merch from Campus Stop
Campus Stop offers a variety of promotional items and branded apparel to enhance your summer marketing promotions for college students. Our experienced creative team delivers superior customer service, competitive pricing, and award-winning designs exclusively tailored to colleges and universities.
From admissions to athletics, summer events, student life, and beyond, Campus Stop provides branded merchandise that excites, engages, and connects with your audience. 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 enhance your summer events with our wide range of promotional items and branded apparel.
