Updated: March 08, 2023

16 Promotional Items for College Students

You found our list of promotional items for college students.

Promotional items for college students are unique giveaway items that colleges, organizations, and companies often give to students. Examples include custom PopSockets, silicone phone wallets, and clip-on Bluetooth speakers. This marketing tool aims to create company awareness, increase brand recognition, and promote products and services.

You can hire promotional products companies like T-shirt companies to create budget swag for event attendee gifts.

This article includes the following:

  • college orientation giveaways
  • swag for college students
  • college recruiting swag
  • marketing ideas for college students

Here we go!

List of promotional items for college students

Promotional items are a popular marketing tool businesses use to increase brand recognition and promote their products and services. In particular, college students are a highly sought-after target audience for companies looking to make a strong impression. Here is a list of the best items to promote your firm to college students.

1. Collapsible Foam Can Cooler

This can cooler is a perfect swag item for college students. Made from polyurethane foam, this can cooler is a step above a regular koozie. Students are usually on the go and need to stay hydrated. With this can cooler’s slim and collapsible design, it is easy to slip it into a pocket or purse on the go. The wetsuit material gives premium insulation and helps keep beverages cold and hands dry.

The can sleeve comes in a slim 12-ounce fit and is perfect for students to carry their favorite drinks or beers. Customizing the can coolers with your brand or college logo makes it a highly visible promotional tool that stands out amongst standard koozie products.

Check out the Can Cooler.

2. Customized PopSockets

Customized PopSockets are a popular smartphone accessory, especially among college students. This affordable giveaway is an excellent promotional item that helps to put your logo and brand message in the limelight. Research shows that folks spend an average of three hours and ten minutes on their phones daily, and a customized PopSocket will keep your brand consistently in students’ views.

The PopSocket sticks to the back of any mobile phone or case using an adhesive gel. This gadget can be a handle for gripping the phone or a stand on a surface. When not in use, the PopSocket lays flat against the phone. This promotional item is lightweight and portable.

Users can reposition and reuse the adhesive gel by simply peeling it off, rinsing, and re-sticking it back on. With the increasing reliance on smartphones, your brand will receive everyday exposure with this promotional item.

Check out the PopSocket.

3. Natural Eco Notebook with Pen

Notebooks are essential items that students need every day. The Natural Eco Notebook with Pen is an amazing promotional gift. The notebook has a cardboard cover, an elastic band closure, 80 lined pages, and a matching pen. A paper barrel in an elastic pen loop helps secure the pen in place. The eco-friendly notebook is available in several trim options for a burst of color. Organizations and schools can use this promotional item to ensure their logos and brand name are always visible, even when students are taking notes or studying.

Check out the Notebook.

4. Customized Earbuds with Pouch

Earbuds are common accessories among students, especially on college campuses. These earbuds do not tangle easily, and the accompanying pouch makes them easy to carry. These earbuds with a pouch are perfect for college students because they can toss the bag into a backpack or purse without fear of damage or loss.

These customized earbuds are ideal for giveaways, considering they are budget friendly and useful. The pouch is made with quality microfiber material and acts as both a screen cleaner and a tangle-preventing case. The pouch comes in six different colors, allowing companies to add even more personality with their brand logo on the dual-purpose drawstring pouch.

The earbuds also offer surprisingly high-quality sound and have a silicone covering that provides maximum comfort for the ears.

Check out the Customized Earbuds with Pouch.

5. Colorized Manual Inversion Umbrella

This Colorized Manual Inversion Umbrella comes with an inverted folding design, closing inside out. The umbrella will help keep the water contained and students dry when they need to move from one building to the other for classes.

The umbrella can stand by itself when closed, allowing the water to drain. The umbrella features a dual-layer pongee canopy.  The manual opening has a push-button with a pinch-proof runner. Gifting umbrellas as a promotional item for your college and company means your brand gets to make a great impression every rainy day.

Check out the Inversion Umbrella.

6. Silicone Phone Wallet

Customized phone accessories are fast becoming a popular trend, and students love the convenience phone wallets offer. With these custom silicone phone wallets, your brand can go everywhere! The wallet is slim enough to fit into pockets and helps eliminate the extra bulk of a traditional wallet or purse. The phone wallet can hold two to three credit cards, IDs, business cards, hotel room keys, money, and other small personal items. Users can easily attach this wallet to any smooth surface, including cell phones, tablets, and other tech gadgets.

The stick-on wallet uses a strong yet removable 3M adhesive. This item is also lightweight, flat, and easily mailable, making it easy to distribute. This wallet is an inexpensive yet useful student giveaway and is a great marketing item for companies and brands. Almost every student carries a phone around these days, so consider the exposure your brand will get when stuck on students’ phones.

Check out the Phone Wallet.

7. Customized Selfie Lights

When considering college recruiting swag, a customized selfie light is a must add to any college’s marketing budget. Students generally love taking great pictures, so they will appreciate this selfie light as a gift. While many customized selfie lights are around, most only work on phones. However, this particular selfie light clips onto both laptops and phones.

The selfie light helps reduce the chance of red eye when taking pictures, especially in locations that are not well lit. The light features three brightness levels. The selfie light is perfect for conference calls and meetings and has a panel to add your brand’s logo. Customized selfie lights are popular giveaways that your brand should take advantage of.

Check out the Customized Selfie Light.

8. Awareness Wristbands

If you are thinking of a great promotional item that is unique and affordable, then be sure to check out these custom wristbands. Created from durable, brightly colored silicone, the wristbands are an effective way to get your college or company’s message out.

If your campus welcomes new students and tries to gain their attention and trust, then these awareness wristbands are a great way to create a connection, increase brand recognition, and distinguish the college from its counterparts. The wristbands come in various colors with the perfect space for your logo and a catchy slogan.

These customized wristbands are inexpensive and a popular fashion accessory that students will be excited to use. This feature makes wristbands a great promo item that offers free advertising for your brand. In addition, the wristbands are waterproof, stand up well to daily wear, and are comfortable for days.

Check out the Awareness Wristbands.

9. Customized Stress Balls

College life and coursework can pose a lot of stress on students. These custom stress balls can help students relax, relieve tension, and have fun. The balls are an excellent choice when considering the best college orientation giveaways. The stress balls are practical, affordable, and come in many fun shapes. These squishy stress relief toys will bear your logo and branding, so recipients will have your company or college in mind with each squeeze.

Check out Stress Balls.

10. Clip-On Bluetooth Speakers

Bluetooth speakers are a favorite among students, and this clip-on Bluetooth speaker is a perfect tech swag choice for on-the-move students. The speakers are portable and come in all shapes and sizes. Also, these speakers come with a plastic case with a built-in clip, so students can simply clip them on a backpack or purse strap and enjoy hands-free music.

The speaker has up to three hours of play time with a three-watt output. The speaker is easy to pair with any phone or tablet and comes with a charging cable so students can recharge it and play on the go.

Check out the Bluetooth Speakers.

11. Unisex Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt

College hoodies are one of the most-loved college swag items, so using them for your college giveaways is a good idea. The Bella + Canvas Unisex Sponge Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie is made with high-quality, tri-blend material and is available in a wide range of colors to satisfy any taste. The trendy hoodie looks great on any wearer and will quickly become the students’ favorite clothing item. Using this hoodie as a promotional item will show your students they matter, and they will probably wear the apparel even after graduation.

Check out the Hooded Sweatshirt.

12. Jolt Power Bank

Students need to keep their devices charged at all times. Portable chargers are one of the best swag items for college students, and the Jolt Power Bank is a perfect one to consider. The charger’s small, sleek frame makes it easy to fit directly into students’ bags and purses. The power bank also has a USB to micro-USB connecting cable to recharge the battery. Whether in class, on the quad, or going for a short trip, this power bank is a sure backup students will turn to each time their phone battery runs low.

Check out the Jolt Power Bank.

13. Cascade Deluxe Drawstring Bag

Drawstring bags are one of the most popular college giveaways, but the bag’s quality goes a long way in determining how often a college student will use it. This Cascade Deluxe Drawstring Backpack is the perfect promotional item for students your college or company can offer. Students often need extra bag space to carry items around. However, the bulkiness of typical purses and duffels is not usually compatible with most dorm storage limitations. This drawstring bag offers a perfect remedy for college storage issues.

The drawstring bag has faux suede accents and wide webbing straps that are comfortable on the shoulders. The bag has large zippered pockets that offer plenty of room for students to store their items for classes and campus life.

Branding the bag with your school or business logo helps to create instant brand awareness and leave a lasting impression. At a very affordable cost, you can give students and potential clients swag they want to keep using over and over again.

Check out the Drawstring Backpack.

14. 3-in-1 Gift Set

This gift set is one of the most versatile promotional swag items to give new students at orientation. The collection includes three color-matching items essential for students’ life, which include a notebook and pen set, an insulated tumbler, and a convenient lunch bag.

The notebook is durable, offering a textured metallic plastic cover and 70 sheets of lined paper. The notebook also comes with a matching ballpoint stylus pen. The 16-ounce tumbler features double-wall insulation, a black polypropylene interior, and a stainless-steel exterior. The tumbler has a non-skid bottom and a screw-on lid that helps prevent spills. The lunch bag is made of quality non-woven polypropylene material and has a center divider, a side mesh pocket, and a wide zippered opening. 

Check out the Gift Set.

15. The Braden Backpack with Laptop Sleeve

Backpacks are one of the most popular promotional items for students, and for good reason. The bag is practical, affordable, and suitable for daily use. The Braden 15-inch Backpack with Laptop Sleeve is a great promotional item that helps students easily carry their laptops, books, and other items from class to class. 

The zippered backpack is made of heathered poly canvas fabric and comes with a top-grab handle and adjustable padded shoulder straps. The interior offers a large main compartment and a 15-inch protective laptop sleeve. The front zippered pocket is made with quality mesh material and includes a water bottle pocket.

Check out the Braden Backpack.

16. Data Blocking USB Charging Adapter

Students need to keep their mobile phones and gadgets powered up, meaning they might charge their devices at public charging stations. This habit can threaten user data, as many public charging stations often have trackers to gain access to data or pass on malware.

This USB Data Blocker is a great option when considering promotional items for college students. The charging adapter is a top cybersecurity giveaway that will help students protect their sensitive data from an unwanted exchange. One great feature of this USB data blocker is it comes with an information sheet on data protection.

Check out the USB Data Blocker.

Conclusion

Colleges can utilize promotional products as a valuable marketing tool. Whether you are trying to draw the attention of new prospects, welcome new college recruits, or thank upper-level students, college giveaways are essential items that can help promote your college, university, or company effectively. Trying to come up with great marketing ideas for college students can sometimes feel like a daunting task. However, with the above list, the process will be easier, and you can be sure to find great options  to suit your needs.

Next, check out our lists of corporate swag, event swag bag ideas, and conference swag ideas

FAQ: Promotional items for college students

Here are frequently asked questions about promotional items for college students.

What are promotional items for college students?

Promotional items for college students are swag items that companies or schools can give to university attendees. Colleges and businesses use promotional items for college students to create recognition and awareness. These items can create a good impression and ensure folks remember the brand long after receiving the item.

What are some good promotional items for college students?

The best promotional items are useful items that keep students more organized or better equipped for student life. Some good swag items for students include Backpack with a Laptop Sleeve, Customized Stress Balls, and the Natural Eco Notebook with Pen.

Promotional products are a valuable marketing tool for colleges in many ways. Custom college swag is historically effective for drawing students’ attention and fostering unity across campus. College promotional items often kept for years turn students into lifelong ambassadors for their university.

How can you use college promo items?

College promo items are an effective marketing tool for colleges and businesses to attract students. By providing students with a tangible item, you can establish a connection with the students and create a lasting impression. The swag becomes a physical representation of your college or brand, so each time recipients use the item, your brand comes to mind.

Also, when students receive a promotional item, they will likely show it to their friends and family. This action helps increase your brand visibility and reaches a wider audience, including other prospective students. Additionally, by giving promo items to prospective students, your college shows they value the students and are willing to invest in them.

FAQ: Promotional items for college students

Here are frequently asked questions about promotional items for college students.

What are promotional items for college students?

Promotional items for college students are swag items that companies or schools can give to university attendees. Colleges and businesses use promotional items for college students to create recognition and awareness. These items can create a good impression and ensure folks remember the brand long after receiving the item.

What are some good promotional items for college students?

The best promotional items are useful items that keep students more organized or better equipped for student life. Some good swag items for students include Backpack with a Laptop Sleeve, Customized Stress Balls, and the Natural Eco Notebook with Pen.

Promotional products are a valuable marketing tool for colleges in many ways. Custom college swag is historically effective for drawing students’ attention and fostering unity across campus. College promotional items often kept for years turn students into lifelong ambassadors for their university.

How can you use college promo items?

College promo items are an effective marketing tool for colleges and businesses to attract students. By providing students with a tangible item, you can establish a connection with the students and create a lasting impression. The swag becomes a physical representation of your college or brand, so each time recipients use the item, your brand comes to mind.

Also, when students receive a promotional item, they will likely show it to their friends and family. This action helps increase your brand visibility and reaches a wider audience, including other prospective students. Additionally, by giving promo items to prospective students, your college shows they value the students and are willing to invest in them.

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