Merchandise isn’t just about selling items—it’s a powerful tool for building identity and unity within university societies.
Whether you're part of a sports club, academic group, or cultural society, the right branded items can attract new members and foster a sense of pride.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the best merchandise ideas that will boost your society’s visibility, engage students, and raise funds for your activities. Ready to make your society stand out? Keep reading!
What is the best merch for university societies?
Custom t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and tote bags are top picks! These items offer great visibility, practical use, and a fun way to build community.
Key Takeaways:
- University societies thrive on engaging, practical merchandise that reflects their culture.
- Branded apparel, eco-friendly products, and event-specific items make great options.
- Choosing the right merchandise helps increase brand visibility, boost engagement, and foster unity within society.
Branded Apparel: A Must-Have for University Societies
T-Shirts and Hoodies: The Staple of Every Society
T-shirts and hoodies are by far the most popular merchandise for university societies. They’re versatile, comfortable, and give members a sense of pride in their society.
Whether it’s a simple design featuring your society’s logo or a more creative, custom graphic, apparel is one of the best ways to promote your society.
If you are wondering what are hoodies made of, I have written a separate article on the site to clear the doubts of many people.
Why Apparel Works:
Visibility: Every time a member wears their t-shirt or hoodie, your society’s brand is showcased on campus.
Unity: Matching outfits create a sense of belonging among members, whether for a sports event or a social gathering.
Fundraising: T-shirts and hoodies can be sold at events, generating funds for your society’s activities.
When choosing apparel, focus on quality, as students will want to wear these items regularly. Ensure the design reflects your society’s values and makes a statement on campus.
Customised Beanies and Caps
If you want to diversify your society’s merchandise offering, consider adding branded beanies, caps, or hats.
These items are especially popular in colder weather and offer additional visibility. Caps with your society’s logo or slogan can also be worn during events or meetings, enhancing your society’s presence.
Eco-Friendly Products: Green Merchandise for a Sustainable Future
Reusable Water Bottles
Sustainability is an increasingly important factor for university students.
Offering eco-friendly products like reusable water bottles not only promotes environmental consciousness but also enhances your society’s image as being environmentally responsible.
A branded bottle with your society’s logo or slogan is both functional and stylish.
Why Water Bottles Work:
Long-Lasting: Students will use their water bottles regularly, providing long-term visibility for your society.
Practical: It’s an item that students can carry to class, the gym, or on trips.
Eco-Friendly Appeal: Promote sustainability by offering products that reduce single-use plastic.
Reusable Tote Bags
Tote bags are another popular eco-friendly product. They’re practical for students to carry books, groceries, or personal items, and they offer a great way to showcase your society’s logo.
Plus, with their large surface area, your branding will be highly visible.
Why Tote Bags Work:
Durable and Reusable: High-quality tote bags are likely to be used over and over, ensuring consistent brand exposure.
Sustainable: With the growing focus on sustainability, reusable bags are the best merch for freshers week who want to reduce waste.
Offering eco-friendly options like a personalised cooler bag or personalised sports bags not only promotes sustainability but also aligns your society with positive, environmentally conscious values.
Event-Specific Merchandise: Create Buzz Around Your Events
Customised Event Wristbands
For events such as socials, parties, or charity events, wristbands are an affordable and fun way to promote your society.
They can be custom printed with your society’s logo, event name, or slogan. Wristbands are also a great way to help people remember your event and serve as a keepsake after it’s over.
Why Wristbands Work:
Affordable and Memorable: Wristbands are inexpensive to produce and can be handed out freely at events.
Great for Fundraising: You can sell wristbands to raise money for your society’s initiatives or charities.
Boost Event Participation: Wearing the wristband gives students a sense of inclusion in the event, which boosts engagement.
Branded Lanyards and Keychains
Branded lanyards and keychains are small, but they can have a big impact when it comes to event branding.
At conferences, fairs, or campus-wide events, these items help attendees remember your society. Lanyards are especially useful for student ID cards, event passes, or keys.
Why Keychains and Lanyards Work:
Everyday Use: People will use their lanyards and keychains every day, meaning they’re continuously exposed to your brand.
Perfect for Campus Events: Give them out at orientations or campus festivals as part of a welcome pack or giveaway.
These items are budget-friendly, easy to distribute, and have lasting value.
Tech Accessories: Custom Gadgets for the Modern Student
Phone Cases and Portable Chargers
In today’s digital age, students are constantly on their phones. Customised phone cases with your society’s logo or design are a practical and trendy option.
Portable chargers are also a great choice, as they provide students with the essential power they need during long campus days.
Why Tech Accessories Work:
Highly Useful: Both phone cases and chargers are essential items that students will use daily.
Modern Appeal: These items cater to the tech-savvy generation and will make your society’s merchandise stand out.
Branding Opportunities: With phone cases and chargers, your society’s logo is always in view, especially during events or public gatherings.
Custom USB Drives
USB drives remain an essential tool for students juggling multiple devices or needing extra storage.
Pairing a custom laptop bag with a personalised phone stand can make for a practical giveaway, but a branded USB drive is just as impactful—whether handed out at events or included in a membership package.
Why USB Drives Work:
Practical: USB drives are perfect for storing notes, assignments, and projects.
Branding: Every time a student uses the USB drive, your logo is seen, keeping your society front and centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best types of merchandise for university societies?
Some of the top choices include hoodies, eco-friendly tote bags, phone accessories, customised event giveaways, and a branded short sleeve shirt. These products are not only practical and functional but also offer excellent visibility.
2. How can university societies use merchandise for fundraising?
Societies can sell branded merchandise at events, through pre-orders, or as part of a membership package to raise funds for activities, trips, or charity initiatives.
3. Where can we distribute university society merchandise?
Merchandise can be distributed at campus events, fairs, orientations, and through online sales. It's important to use these occasions to maximise exposure and engage students.
Conclusion
The right merchandise can transform your university society into a brand that resonates with students.
Whether it’s branded apparel, eco-friendly products, or event-specific items, these products help increase visibility, boost engagement, and create a strong sense of belonging among your members.
Incorporating practical items like custom branded travel bags can further reinforce your society’s identity, making it more recognisable on campus while attracting new members and strengthening existing connections.
