You just finished your university recruiting for the season but are now looking for next semester swag ideas. You may have noticed that students don’t take many of the handouts at career fairs. Maybe they just don’t want to  look greedy and unprofessional. Sometimes, you wonder if the schools have instructed them to not take anything at all. You would like to offer something useful to students in the classroom.

Make It A Welcoming Table!

Be clear that people can take. Student said the look you give is important.  Tell them “Hey come on over”. “Please take,” “Give it to your friends.” The way students are greeted is important. Then they will feel comfortable to ask to take a swag (or “merch” as it can be called in student lingo).  

Make your table colorful. Nice pictures. Candies (Tootsie rolls, Laffy Taffy, little chocolates). Some items should stand up on the table. Not everything should lay down. You may want to do a wheel of fortune game where students can win a more pricey swag – The idea is to do something interactive! Something where they stand to gain from it! A survey or raffle is a nice way to create interaction and collect valuable information.

Students Liked…

Mentioned with much excitement were pen size spray hand sanitizer. It’s a spray so it will last longer and will fit in a clutch or a purse. Stain remover pens. Gym water bottle – students love to feel like part of their day is associated with gym-like behavior. Good regular pens – smooth writing in black ink color (most tests need black ink). Bags are great. Everyone always uses bags and they will encourage people to take more. Cooler bags are great. Mugs for college students who do not feel like buying dishes. Average college student’s kitchen can be filled with promo dishes. Credit card case for back of phone.  stress balls (or fidget spinner).

Other Ideas…

Other items mentioned were, t-shirts, sweatshirts, socks, earphones and USB charging sockets. Frisbees and sports item, unless at a sports event, may not be used much.

We hope that this helped you be better ready for the next student recruiting season. If you need more specific ideas or just a quote please call us or fill out this quick form!