Recognized Student Organization (RSO) Officers,
Are you looking for free or low-cost event ideas for the Summertime? Here are some we brainstormed for U!
On‑Campus Summer Event Ideas
(Minimal cost, flexible attendance)
1. Picnic or Lawn Hangouts
- Bring‑your‑own blanket/snacks
- Casual games (cards, frisbee, spikeball)
- Great for first‑year or social RSOs
2. Outdoor Movie Night
- Use a laptop/projector if available or partner with another RSO
- Members bring their own snacks
- Can vote on movie beforehand
3. Study or “Work Together” Sessions
- Quiet co‑working or accountability hours
- Ideal for academic, grad, or professional RSOs
- Can be indoors or outdoors
4. Game Nights
- Board games, card games, Mario Kart, Jackbox
- Members bring games they already own
- Easy to host repeatedly
5. Craft or DIY Nights
- Friendship bracelets, vision boards, zines, button‑making
- Ask members to bring materials they already have
- Great for wellness and creative RSOs
6. Welcome‑to‑Summer or Fall Preview Meetups
- Low‑pressure social gathering for new members
- Helps maintain engagement between academic years
Off‑Campus & Community‑Based Ideas
(Often free or pay‑your‑own‑way)
7. Group Hikes or Walks
- Local trails, botanical gardens, or scenic walks
- Emphasize accessibility and multiple difficulty levels
8. Beach, Park, or Reservoir Days (Regional)
- Pool resources for carpooling
- Casual, social, and flexible attendance
9. Farmers Market Meetups
- Support local businesses
- Scavenger hunts or “$5 challenge” to make it interactive
10. Community Engagement or Volunteering
- Park cleanups
- Food banks or shelters
- Animal shelters or gardens support
Hybrid & Virtual Options
(Perfect when members are remote)
11. Virtual Game or Trivia Nights
- Free platforms like Kahoot or GeoGuessr
- Drop‑in friendly
12. Watch Parties
- Members stream simultaneously on their own accounts
- Live chat or Discord discussion
13. Skill‑Share or Mini Workshops
- Members teach something they know (Excel tips, art basics, cooking demos)
- Supports community learning at no cost
14. Book, Podcast, or Film Discussions
- Pick content that’s free online or through the library
- Light structure, strong engagement
Building Community and Mission‑Based Ideas
These strengthen belonging without major expenses.
- Sharing foods/potlucks
- Wellness walks or mindfulness sessions
- Storytelling nights or open discussions
- Alumni or upperclassmen panels via Zoom
Quick Wins for RSOs
- “Coffee Walk” (no meeting room needed)
- Sunset meetup
- Photo walk or campus scavenger hunt
- End‑of‑summer reflection or goal‑setting night