20 Easy and Epic Ideas for a College Dorm Party
Lauren Miolene
Editor
They say that college is the best four years of a person’s life. After all, being together 24/7 with your best friends is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s also the perfect opportunity to host a unique college dorm party just for fun. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or just the end of a stressful week, there is always something for college students to celebrate.
We have a list of easy and fun party ideas that can be hosted right in your college dorm room, house, or apartment. Now’s the time to grab your roommates and plan a college dorm party that even your resident assistant will want to attend.
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Here are 20 fun ideas and themes for a college dorm party:
When I Grow Up
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Are you studying to become a nurse? Wear a pair of scrubs. Are you a future accountant? Dress in your best suit. No matter what you are going to be or work as after graduation, there is nothing more fitting for a college party. As an entertainment option, consider booking a psychic so you can really see into the future.
Pro Tip: Plan this for senior year right before graduation. This will be the perfect send off for you and your fellow classmates.
Dress as the First Letter of Your Name
Photo: collegelifemadeeasy.com
One of the most popular TikTok party trends at the moment is to dress like someone or something that shares the first letter of your name. For example, if your name is Brianna, dress like Barbie. If your name is Greg, dress like a Greek god. Get creative with it and have people guessing your costume and name all night.
Don’t forget to create a TikTok with your friends showcasing who you are.
Beer Olympics
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All you have to do for the beer Olympics is form teams with your friends, choose a country to represent, and let the games begin! Organize a series of classic drinking games including Kings Cup, dizzy bat, and a case race to go for the gold.
Keep track of the points throughout the day and award the winning team with medals during the closing ceremony. The Beer Olympics is guaranteed to be memorable for everyone—not just the frat house.
Dynamic Duos
Grab your bestie for this one! There are many iconic dynamic duos throughout history; Veronica and Betty from Riverdale, Scooby and Shaggy, Cher and Dionne, chips and guacamole, the list goes on! Think of your favorite movies, tv shows, and foods, and dive back into history for this fun party theme.
2000s
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Planning a throwback Thursday party has never been easier. Dress in signature 2000s styles featuring Juicy Couture tracksuits, denim from head to toe, and tiny sunglasses. Put together the ultimate playlist of all your favorite 2000s songs featuring “Mr. Brightside,” “Hollaback Girl,” and “Toxic” that everyone will want to sing and dance to.
Darty
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Simple but fun, you can never go wrong with a classic darty, aka a day party. Enjoy the sunshine and spend the day outside with friends. Choose a theme if you want, or keep things simple by just hosting your party outside complete with drinking games like beer pong, stack cup, or kings.
If the Spotify playlists just aren’t cutting it anymore, consider booking live music or a DJ for a private outdoor concert or set list that everyone will enjoy.
Karaoke
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It’s safe to say that almost everyone likes karaoke. Who doesn’t enjoy jamming out to their favorite songs and listening to music with their best friends? Showcase your singing abilities, or lack thereof, with the ultimate karaoke party. If you want to go all out, book a karaoke DJ to take things to the next level. They will provide the music, equipment, and anything else you might need.
White Lies Party
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As we all know, white lies are the little lies you tell people to not hurt someone’s feelings. TikTok made this party trend go viral by people broadcasting their most used lie on a t-shirt. These can include, “I’m a good cook,” “straight A student,” or “I’ll be ready in 5 minutes” just to name a few. For this party, all you need is a white shirt, a black marker, and your favorite white lie to tell.
Murder Mystery
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For a more relaxed night in, you can’t go wrong with a murder mystery house party that can be done in person or virtually. Invite your group of friends over for a meal with a twist by forming teams to solve a suspenseful crime. If you want to take your dinner party up a notch, book a murder mystery entertainer and have guests dress to the theme to guarantee a killer time.
Make the night even more special by booking a bartender to mix up alcoholic drinks for you and your guests.
Mamma Mia
Greek culture, bohemian style, and ABBA songs—what’s not to love about Mamma Mia? Take inspiration from both movies and the musical to recreate the island of Kalokairi right in your dorm room. This is a fun party theme that Donna and the Dynamos would toasting to with their college girls.
Anything But a Cup
Photo: catchanidea.com
For this party it’s self explanatory: use anything but a cup. If you and guests are over 21, get creative with what you put your drinks in for the night. Some favorites include squirt guns, spray bottles, or an empty bottle of laundry detergent, washed out of course.
If alcoholic drinks aren’t your thing, put your favorite seltzer, flavored water, coffee, or other beverage in anything but a cup.
Anything But Clothes
Similar to anything but a cup, this time with clothes. From trash bags, shopping bags, to bed sheets, find any miscellaneous items you might have around your dorm room to create a hilarious and creative outfit.
Catalina Wine Mixer
If you’ve ever seen the movie Step Brothers, you know exactly what the Catalina Wine Mixer is. The outdoor gala meant to lease helicopters has turned into a college party theme at schools across the country. For this event, dress up in fancy attire (dresses, sweaters, button downs) and drink wine with your friends. Bonus points if this party can be held at a beach near your school and feature a DJ!
Euphoria
Photo: Glamour
HBO’s Euphoria has been one of the most popular binge-watched shows recently. Recreate the characters’ parties that make you want to transfer to East Highland High. From iconic clothing styles and makeup they had in the show to the amazing soundtrack, there is a ton of room for creativity. Read here for more information you need to know about hosting a Euphoria themed party.
While dressing to the Euphoria theme, you’re going to want pictures. Capture the memories from this party with a photo booth rental complete with a sparkly backdrop and show related props.
Pro Tip: Find everything you need for a Euphoria themed party here.
Derby
Photo: Coryn/shutterstock.com
It’s derby day! Don your best Derby hat and preppy patterns for this fun darty theme. Aside from the wardrobes consisting of Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer, you’ll need music to set the tone! Take control of the aux cord and stream our Kentucky Derby playlist. If you’re feeling fancy, serve some mint juleps as a specialty theme cocktail.
Luau
Break out the Hawaiian shirts and flower leis to help transform your college dorm room into a tropical island oasis. If you have a backyard and a grill, you can easily turn the luau into a fun outdoor BBQ.
Pro Tip: Hire some Hawaiian dancers to add some authentic flair to your dorm luau.
Aprés Ski
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Hit the slopes! Have guests dress in their ski gear for an Aspen themed party. Bundle up to enjoy a snowy day outside together or simply take part in the post-skiing festivities known as aprés ski. While you may not have access to a fireplace at school, some warm drinks, good company, and an animated fireplace on Youtube will be all you need for this winter theme.
70s
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Get groovy and ready to boogie oogie with a 1970s throwback party. Bright colors, sequins, and a disco ball are encouraged so you can dance the night away in style. If flashy 70s isn’t the vibe, opt for something more casual along the lines of That ‘70s Show.
Pro Tip: Find everything you need for a 70s themed party here.
Toga
Photo: CMC The Forum
As seen in Animal House, a toga dress code for a party makes one of the best themes because who doesn’t have an extra bed sheet in their room? To really enhance the Greco-Roman costume, encourage guests to wear sandals and head pieces to complete the theme. Here are 4 ways to tie a toga out of a bed sheet.
Neon/Blacklight
One of the most popular dorm room decorations is LED strip lights, so you might already have decor in your living room for this easy party idea. Turn off all the lights, order a few black lights, and have guests dress in white or neon colors that will glow bright at night. Fill the room with glow sticks to give the space even more pops of color.
Find more party ideas and inspiration for all types of events here on The Bash.