Build community on campus with these group activities

The secret weapon to surviving and thriving at UC? Team-building activities that make meeting people easier (and more fun) than you’d think.

Whether you're a new student, a returning resident adviser (RA), or a student org leader, here are simple and fun ways to turn strangers into support systems — and make your time at the University of Cincinnati more connected, more memorable, and a whole lot more fun.

College isn’t just about classes — it’s about connection. Group activities spark friendships, strengthen communication, and create support systems that students carry with them beyond graduation. Whether it’s bonding activities for new college students during Welcome Week or icebreakers for your student leadership retreat, these moments help create a more connected, confident campus culture.

Pro tip: They’re also a great way to boost student engagement, lower stress, increase engagement and create spaces where everyone feels like they belong.

Group activities for college orientation are all about first impressions and having a little fun while you’re at it.

• Would you rather (UC edition): Would you rather eat nothing but Skyline for a week or hike every campus staircase in one day?
• Name game remix: Everyone says their name and a favorite snack — watch how fast people bond over Goldfish and ramen.
• Bearcat Bingo: Fill a card with quirky facts like “Has been to a UC football game” or “Knows the ‘Down the Drive’ cheer.” It’s competitive and community-building.
• UC Amazing Race: A scavenger-hunt-style tour of campus helps students learn the layout and each other’s names.
• Speed friending: Like speed dating, but with less pressure and way more laughs.

Prep for freshman orientation — or Bearcats Bound Orientation as we call it at UC — with these 7 essential tips.

Living on campus? These residence hall activities for students help turn shared walls into shared memories.

• Deck your door: A decorating contest that brings out everyone’s creative side and introduces personalities.
• Game night takeover: UNO, charades or group video games — pick your vibe and go with it.
• Cincy snack swap: Have residents bring a favorite treat from their hometown or culture. Instant conversation starter (and possible sugar rush).
• Hall Olympics: Host friendly competitions, Minute-to-Win-It games, trivia or hallway relay races.
• Hot Ones: College Edition: Take turns asking questions (prepare a bunch for the group) while tasting increasingly intense hot sauces, salsas or sour candies (or milder snacks, of course).

Looking for more inspiration? UC Housing has tips on building connections in your residence community.

Leading or joining a student organization? These college student engagement activities help teams grow stronger and have more fun.

• Memory lane: Ask each member to share a moment they felt proud of in the group; great for reflection and team pride.
• Tower challenge: Using only spaghetti, tape and a marshmallow, groups compete to build the tallest tower. Great for leadership and laughs.
• Build-a-playlist: Collaboratively create a soundtrack for your club or group. Music always has a way of connecting people in unexpected ways.
• Silly superlatives: Give each other lighthearted awards (Best Zoom Background, Most Likely to Bring Snacks, etc.).

Ready to find your tribe? Explore student organizations.

Can’t meet up in person? No problem. These virtual team-building for college students ideas keep the vibes high:

• Kahoot! competitions: A little trivia and a lot of laughs — pick your topic and let the games begin.
• Online “guess that baby photo” games: Upload childhood pics and see who can match them to current classmates.
• PowerPoint party nights: Present your most niche passion, hot take or oddly specific ranking. No judgment, only applause.
• Show and tell: It’s not just for elementary school! Share an object that represents you in some way.

Whether remote or hybrid, connection is always possible. Join the fun and explore upcoming online events.

Sometimes the best connections happen with a little structure. These student leadership team-building ideas are great for retreats, resident adviser info sessions, or group development sessions:

• Rose, bud, thorn: Each person shares something going well, something new, and something challenging.
• Team values poster: Brainstorm a few shared values, then create a poster or visual reminder to hang in your space.
• Leadership scavenger hunt: Tailor it to UC landmarks, leadership quotes, or quirky campus facts.
• Vision board session: Use magazines or digital tools to map your floor or team’s goals and vision.

Looking for leadership-specific retreats and events? Check out the UC LEAD and Student Activities Board.

Let’s be honest: some icebreakers are painful. These fun icebreakers for college students are quick, non-cringe and surprisingly effective:

• This or that: UC Bookstore hoodie or vintage thrift find?
• Two truths and a lie: Fun, open-ended and always a conversation-starter
• Rapid-fire questions: Pineapple on pizza? Cats or dogs? Morning person or night owl?
• What’s in your bag?: Weirdest thing you’ve carried to class this week — go!
• Favorite firsts: What was your first concert? First pet? First favorite band/artist?

​​Want your group to actually connect? Keep these in mind:

• Mix it up: Rotate partners or small groups to keep interactions fresh.
• Keep it considerate: Be mindful of different comfort levels, backgrounds and abilities so all feel welcome.
• Flow with the conversation: It’s OK to get off topic as long as everyone is engaged and enjoying it.
• Follow up: Connections stick when there’s a second or third chance to chat — don’t stop at one event.

Need help planning? UC’s student involvement team is always a resource.

There’s no “right way” to connect at UC, but there are a ton of ways to try. Whether it’s through fun icebreakers or more structured leadership activities, these experiences are where friendships are formed, ideas are sparked, and memories are made.

Explore more ways to get involved in campus life.

Read more: How to make friends in college: 10 tips for building real connections