Adapting to a new environment might be a tough experience. On the other hand, the fact that everyone starts off college as a freshman might be an advantage you could use to play your cards right. Hosting a party for all the newbies might be the best way to get to know the people that will become your best friends for life, show off yourself and have some fun before the tough part of college comes along. Here are a few tips on how to organize that.
Food and Drinks
The best way to attract a big group of people to a specific place is to promise them free food and drinks. Of course, not everyone can afford catering a party, so it might be your best solution to ask each participant to bring one item to share with the group. This way not only you will handle the preferences of the guests well, you will make sure that there are products that each person will be able to eat, regardless of allergies, diets and other eating habits. A bonus is that people often bond over love for the same food and drinks, so even on the early stage, talking is guaranteed.
Entertainment
An important part of the party is entertainment. Even though people can do just well interacting with each other and getting to know more, some can be a bit shy and slow to crawl out of their shell, especially since they will not know the majority of the guests. That’s why it is a great idea to set up some light music, provide board games or even a game console, put on a movie or find other ways to entertain the guests. Let everyone know that participation in these activities is optional, and make sure that no one is pressured into anything they do not want to do just for the sake of the group.
Invite Everyone
The more the merrier. Invite everyone you know, and persuade them to bring everyone they know too. Do not differentiate between people, and you will be amazed to find out how much wider your social circle can become at college, than it was during high school in your small hometown. Listen to everyone, introduce yourself and maintain eye contact. They will be pleased to feel welcomed, and you will gain precious acquaintances that may help you in the years to come.
Add a Twist
You can make the party memorable by adding a special twist. A costume party, a pool party, a karaoke party may all be great ideas to break the ice and meet new people. Think about the elements that bind you together. For example, if you are all languages major, you can set up a singing contest in different languages. A welcome party does not have to be a strictly meet and greet event, but can turn into a myriad of possibilities.