Universities Giving Swag: Ethical Or Effective Marketing Strategy?

Universities often give promotional items, or swag, to prospective students as a way to promote their institution and build community. Swag can include a variety of items such as tote bags, t-shirts, water bottles, notebooks, stickers, and more. These items are usually branded with the university's name, logo, colours, or motto, and are intended to be useful and functional for students while also fostering a sense of pride and connection to the university. The effectiveness of swag as a marketing tool lies in its ability to be used and displayed in various social scenarios, maximising exposure and visibility for the university.

Practicality and uniqueness are key

Practicality

University swag should be practical and functional, offering utility to prospective students in their daily lives. This could include items such as:

• Tote bags or backpacks: These are always useful for carrying items, especially at events or during travel. They provide a large space to display the university logo or colours and can be easily spotted from a distance.
• Water bottles or tumblers: Encouraging hydration is important, and insulated bottles or tumblers can also keep drinks hot or cold for long hours of studying.
• Tech accessories: Items such as charging cables, power banks, USB adapters, phone wallets, and Bluetooth speakers are all useful for students who constantly need to charge their devices and stay connected.
• Stationery: While basic pens and pins may not be the most exciting, practical stationery items such as notebooks, planners, or custom portfolios can be very useful for students.

Uniqueness

To make a strong impression and stand out from the competition, it's essential to offer unique swag items that prospective students will remember. Here are some ideas:

• VR headsets: With virtual reality gaining popularity, VR headsets can be a high-tech and memorable giveaway, allowing students to explore virtual campus tours or events.
• Blue light glasses: As Zoom fatigue becomes a common issue, blue light glasses can be a trendy and health-conscious gift, helping students reduce eye strain during long study sessions.
• Customised items: Consider unique items such as selfie lights, webcam covers, or even handmade goods crafted by student clubs. These show creativity and add a personal touch.
• Local flavours: Showcase the local culture by offering locally sourced goods, such as local honey or handmade ornaments, providing a taste of the region and supporting local businesses.
• Functional accessories: Think of items that students might not typically buy but would find useful, such as key lanyards, phone stands, or even small first aid kits.

Remember, the key is to offer items that are not only memorable but also align with the students' interests and needs, creating a positive association with the university brand.

Branded tote bags are a great way to advertise

Universities can give swag to prospective students, and branded tote bags are a great way to advertise. Here's why:

They are practical and affordable

Tote bags are useful for a variety of purposes, from carrying groceries to holding marketing materials. They are also cost-effective, with some styles costing less than $1 per bag. This makes them an excellent choice for universities looking to promote their brand without breaking the bank.

They are long-lasting

Tote bags are made from durable materials such as cotton, canvas, and polyester, ensuring they last a long time. This means that your university's logo and message will be visible to a wide audience for years to come.

They are environmentally friendly

Custom tote bags are a great alternative to plastic bags. They are reusable and reduce the need for traditional gift-wrapping paper, making them an eco-friendly option. This feature will appeal to environmentally conscious students and reflect well on your university's sustainability initiatives.

They are versatile

Tote bags can be customised with your university's logo, artwork, or a specific message. They come in various colours, sizes, and shapes, making them suitable for any occasion, from freshman orientation to MBA program debuts. You can also fill them with other promotional items to create a powerful gift presentation.

They are effective advertising tools

Tote bags are visible to everyone, providing a prime opportunity for brand exposure. They serve as walking billboards for your university, with students carrying them around campus and beyond. This will create a lasting impression of your university's brand and foster a sense of school spirit and community.

Tech items are popular

Bluetooth Speakers

Portable Bluetooth speakers are a trendy choice for students. They are small, convenient, and can be easily carried around, making them perfect for students' on-the-go lifestyles. The speakers can be branded with the university's logo, making them a great way to promote school spirit.

Custom Phone Wallet Cases

These silicone cases are popular on campus as they provide a convenient way for students to carry essential items like credit cards, student IDs, and cash without the bulk of a traditional wallet. The university's logo can be added to the case, ensuring the brand is seen whenever the student uses their phone.

Promotional Earbuds

Earbuds are a necessity for college campuses, and promotional earbuds with the university's logo are a great way to ensure frequent brand exposure. Offering earbuds as swag is a practical choice that students will appreciate and use daily.

Custom PopSockets

PopSockets are a trendy tech item that can be easily customised with the university's logo or colours. They are widely used by college students and provide a unique way to showcase school spirit while also offering convenience and comfort when using mobile phones.

Data Blocking USB Charging Adapter

With the increasing concern for security at public charging stations, offering a data-blocking USB charging adapter can be a valuable gift for students. This adapter prevents data transfer while charging at public stations, ensuring the security of students' personal information.

Wireless Power Banks

Power banks are a convenient solution for students who need to charge their devices on the go. Wireless power banks with the university's logo and colours can be a stylish and practical gift, ensuring that the university's brand is always with the student.

Tech items are a popular choice for university swag as they are useful, convenient, and offer a high level of brand exposure. By offering tech items as swag, universities can promote their brand effectively while also providing prospective students with items that will enhance their college experience.

Students want useful items

Students want items that are useful and unique. They want items that they will use daily, so that the university's logo will be seen regularly. Here are some ideas for swag items that prospective students will actually want and use:

Custom Totes or Backpacks

Custom bags are highly visible to everyone, giving prime branding opportunities. They are also one of the most useful items because they can carry other items being handed out. It is important to note that quality is key when it comes to bags – low-quality bags will not make a good impression.

Data Blocking USB Charging Adapter

With the rise of public charging stations, a data-blocking USB charging adapter is a practical and security-focused giveaway. This item will help students stay safe while charging their devices on the go.

Custom Cell Phone Wallets

These silicone wallets are popular on campus as they provide a convenient way to carry essential items like credit cards, student IDs, and cash without the bulk of a traditional wallet.

Portable Chargers

Portable chargers are highly sought-after by students who are constantly in need of a boost for their devices. Promotional power banks with the university logo allow students to charge their devices on the go while keeping the institution's brand top of mind.

Bluetooth Speakers

Bluetooth speakers are trendy and functional giveaways. They are perfect for students' on-the-go lifestyles and can be easily clipped on to backpacks or carried around residence halls.

Custom PopSockets

PopSockets are another trendy tech item that is popular among college students. They are useful for holding phones and tablets and can be easily branded with the university logo.

Promotional Tumblers and Bottles

Water bottles, tumblers, and mugs are classic swag items, but it's important to focus on quality to make a good impression. Custom insulated bottles in the university's colours can be a great way to showcase school spirit while providing a useful item for students.

Custom Cases for Apple AirTags

Apple AirTag cases printed with the university logo are a cool tech-focused giveaway. They can be included in welcome packages or used as part of recruitment initiatives.

Promo Phone Holders and Cleaners

Desktop phone holders are useful for dorm life and personal workspaces. Combining this with a screen cleaner adds even more appeal for students.

Customized Tech Gear Organizers

Tech gear organizers help students keep their cords, USBs, power banks, and other tech accessories tidy and tangle-free. This is especially useful for students who are always on the go and need to stay organized.

Blue Light Glasses

With the rise of Zoom fatigue, blue light glasses have become a must-have accessory for many students. Adding the university logo to these glasses can be a stylish and functional giveaway.

Wireless Power Banks

Wireless power banks are perfect for students' on-the-go charging needs. A campus-themed power bank can be a constant reminder of the university's presence and support.

Metal Sports Bottles

Metal water bottles are a classic and durable option for students. They can be easily branded and are a practical item that students can use throughout their time on campus.

Custom Phone Accessories

Other custom phone accessories like phone stands, clip-on selfie lights, and phone ring holders can also be useful and trendy swag items for students.

Remember, students want items that are functional, unique, and of good quality. These items will not only showcase school spirit but also provide practical value, ensuring that they are well-used by students and create positive associations with the university brand.

Non-disposable gifts create lasting memories

Technology

Tech-related gifts are always a good option as they are useful and can be used daily, ensuring the university's logo is seen regularly. Some ideas include:

• Data-blocking USB charging adapters
• Bluetooth speakers
• Portable chargers/power banks
• Wireless charging pads
• Custom phone cases
• Wireless earbuds
• PopSockets
• Technology organizers

Bags

Bags are visible to everyone and provide a large space for branding. They are also useful for students to carry their belongings. It is important to choose a good-quality bag that will last. Some options include:

• Custom tote bags or backpacks
• Drawstring bags
• Messenger bags

Drinkware

Drinkware is a popular choice for promotional items and can be used to encourage hydration. Metal water bottles or insulated bottles are likely to make a better impression than plastic ones. Universities could also consider:

• Tumblers or mugs
• Cups with lids and straws
• Drinkware with straws

Stationery

Stationery items can be useful for students and provide a large surface for branding. Some ideas include:

• Notebooks or journals
• Portfolios or padfolios
• Planners

Other ideas

There are many other non-disposable gift options that universities can consider to create lasting memories for prospective students. These include:

• Clothing items such as hats or scarves
• Keyrings or lanyards
• Socks

Frequently asked questions