What Is a College Party Like? 8 Types of Parties You'll See in College

If you’re a high school student, freshman or if you’ve never been to a party in college, then you’re probably wondering what a college party is like.

If you’ve never been to a college party, it’s important to know what type of party it is and who’s going to be there. As a recent college graduate who did a fair share of partying during my time in college, I know first hand what a college party is like.

Which raises the question…

What Is a College Party Like?

A college party will typically be held at a house, a venue or outside. Generally, there will be music, drinking, people dancing and having fun. Depending on the size of the party, the party can get wild and it will be a great time. If the party has less people, it will be more intimate and can still be a lot of fun.

In this post, I share the 8 types of parties that you will see in college.

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8 Types of College Parties

1. Frat Party

A frat party is one of the more common styles of parties in college. On the most part, a frat party will be hosted at a frat house and there will be music, drinking and girls.

If you’re not in the fraternity, you will either have to pay an entrance fee or you may not be allowed in. Depending on the fraternities’ rules, they may let you in for free.

Some frats are more into the party scene than others. If you’re someone who wants to party in college, be sure to join a frat that likes to party!

2. Dorm Room Party

A dorm room party is another common type of party that you’ll see in college. If you get invited to a dorm room party, you can expect to hang out with other college students. At this type of college party, there will be games, music and drinks.

The great thing about a dorm room party, is that they’re a great way to make new friends. Dorm room parties tend to be quite intimate, so you will get to know the other students at the party.

Attending dorm room parties is a great way to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people and have an enjoyable night.

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3. Rager (Venue Party)

During your college years, there will probably only be a few ragers. A rager is a big party with a DJ, drinking games, alcohol and tons of people.

A rager is usually held at a venue, since it has to accommodate a lot of people. These kinds of college parties are tons of fun and a great way to meet new people.

To get into the party, you will have to pay an entrance fee, since the host is paying for a venue, DJ and even the drinks. A rager is the kind of party that you often see in tv shows and movies.

4. Tailgate

If you’re looking to have a good time with a group of friends, then you have to attend a tailgate party! A tailgate party takes place before a football game, and they are a really good time.

If you want to tailgate with your friends, gather a group of people, pick up some food and buy alcoholic beverages (if you’re of age). Tailgating is a great activity to do with your college friends and a big part of the college experience.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your Sunday in college, tailgating with your friends is a good idea.

5. House Party

In college, there is no better party than a house party. Throughout my time in college, the house parties were always a blast!

If you’ve never been to a house party, there are a few things that you should know.

If you’re going to a house party, always bring your own drinks, especially if you plan on drinking. Not only is impolite to show up empty handed, but you don’t want to be the person at the party asking people for alcohol.

Another thing that’s important to know, is that you should never damage, steal or disrespect the house. If you make a bad impression, there can be problems and you won’t be invited to a party again.

Overall, house parties are a great way to meet new people, drink and have fun. If you socialize and meet new people at the party, you will be invited to more house parties in the future.

6. Bonfire

As a Canadian, bonfire parties were super popular during my time in college. The reason why bonfires are so popular, is because they’re easy to setup, the police rarely come and they’re tons of fun.

To plan a bonfire party, all you need is loud music (speaker), drinks and some good friends.

If you get invited to a bonfire, these are some things to know. Bring your own drinks, don’t go alone and make sure your phone is charged. Since a bonfire is in the middle of a forest, you do want to take the steps to make sure you’re safe.

Remember to drink responsibly and to be careful walking through the forest. The last thing you want is to be too drunk in the middle of the woods. Going with friends who all look out for each other is key.

7. Beach Party

A beach party is most common during spring break or in warmer climates. The great thing about beach parties, is that you just grab your group of friends and you show up.

On the beach, there will be music and it’s a great way to meet new people.

If you plan on drinking, pick up a cooler, a bag of ice and some drinks. Going to a beach party is a fun way to relax, make new friends and have a good time.

8. Backyard Party

Out of all of the different types of college parties, the backyard party is likely the most common. A backyard gathering is an awesome party because you’re outside and the vibe is fun.

If it’s your first time going to a backyard party, you’re going to want to bring some drinks and dress casually. Keep in mind, that as the night goes on the weather may get cooler, so bring a sweater!

A backyard party is one of the best parties because there will be drinking games, tables for shots and good music.

The only thing you should know before going to a backyard party, is that there’s a chance that security or the police show up. As the night goes on, neighbors may complain about the noise.

If the police show up to the party, the best thing you can do is leave. At most college parties, there may be underage drinking and drunk people, so it’s best to leave promptly and avoid any trouble.

What Are You Supposed to Do at a College Party?

If it’s your first college party, there are a few things you’re going to want to know.

When you walk into the party, there will be music, party games and people hanging out. Depending on the crowd, there may be drinking and smoking. As you enter, the best thing you can do is grab a drink (non alcoholic is fine) and socialize.

At college parties, everyone will be very social and friendly. If you’re nice and there to have a good time, people will be nice to you.

A great place to meet people is by the pong tables. Typically, people standing by the pong tables are waiting for the next game, so they’ll be nice and talkative.

If you plan on drinking, it’s a good idea to show up with some drinks. If you don’t plan on drinking, it’s okay to show up empty handed, but bring a water bottle for yourself.

Going to a college party may seem stressful. However, once you’re in there, you will meet new people and have a great time.

Tip: Don’t feel like you need to drink alcohol at dorm party. Bring water bottles, soda or an energy drink instead, especially if you’re not of legal age.

How Long Do College Parties Last?

Typically, college parties will start around 10:00 PM and end around 2:00 or 3:00 AM. If it’s your first time going to a college party, it’s important to not show up too early. When it comes to leaving, you can leave whenever you want.

If you feel as if they party is dying out, you can leave. It’s important to recognize when the party is beginning to end, because you don’t want to overstay your welcome.

In some cases, the party can end because the police show up. If this is the case, leave the party immediately and listen to the police as you don’t want to have any issues.

Is it Weird if I Don’t Drink at a College Party?

At college parties, there are many people who prefer not to drink. If you don’t plan on drinking at a party, be prepared to get offered tons of drinks and for drunk people to try and peer pressure you into drinking.

Naturally, a big part of the party culture in college has to do with drinking. However, if you tell people you’re driving or that you don’t drink, you won’t have any issues. Never drink and drive.

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Final Thoughts What Is A College Party Like

Going to your first college party may be stressful, but it’s really not as bad as it seems. What’s important is that you attend a safe party and you drink responsibly. Not drinking is just fine.

The last thing you want is to drink too much and make bad decisions!

After you attend a few parties, you will get a good idea of how to act, what to do and what not to do at a party in college.

College will be some of the most fun years of your life, so it’s important to make the most of it. Take advantage of the parties and all of the fun events going on throughout your time in college.

In this post, I shared what a college party is like and the 8 different types of parties in college.

Do you feel ready for your first college party? Please let me know in the comments below.

What Is a College Party Like? 8 Types of Parties You’ll See in College