How orientation games and team-building activities help students make friends during onboarding

Why orientation games genuinely help you click with your new crew

Starting somewhere new is a little like walking into a stadium at kickoff—all the bright lights, a dozen unfamiliar faces, and a buzz you can almost hear in your bones. It’s easy to feel small, but the right activities can flip the script fast. When onboarding leans into fun, it isn’t just a time filler; it creates real chances to connect, laugh, and feel at home sooner rather than later. So what works best for turning quick hellos into lasting friendships? The answer isn’t a long lecture or a to-do list—it's orientation games and team-building activities designed to foster friendships.

Let me explain why these activities matter more than you might think

You’re not just collecting info on your schedule or memorizing campus maps. You’re building your social map. Onboarding that prioritizes interactive games helps strangers become teammates. Here’s what actually happens:

• Breaks the ice without awkwardness. A well-designed game lowers the stakes. Instead of cornering someone at a noisy lounge, you’re solving a mini puzzle or competing in a lighthearted challenge together.

• Turns strangers into allies. When you share a task—like syncing up on a scavenger hunt or figuring out a quick problem—your brains lean on each other. That collaboration sparks conversation, trust, and a sense of belonging.

• Sets the vibe for your campus life. If the first hours feel warm and playful, you’ll naturally seek out those same people again. It’s contagious—in a good way.

In short, the social math is simple: fun activities + small teams = faster friendships. Lectures and seminars have their place, sure, but they’re not built to spark camaraderie in the same direct way. While those sessions inform you, games help you connect.

What kinds of activities actually work?

If you want to hit the sweet spot, here are the kinds of experiences that typically land well in onboarding programs:

• Orientation games that are more play than performance. Think quick-fire “two truths and a lie” with campus twists, or a “human bingo” where you mingle to find people who fit certain prompts. The goal is to move around, talk to people you haven’t met, and feel a little goofy in a supportive setting.

• Team-building challenges that require cooperation. Simple tasks like building a tower from everyday supplies or solving a quick puzzle under time pressure invite collaboration. When you’re in a group, you’re naturally drawn to those you like to work with—often because you see their strengths early on.

• Scavenger hunts that celebrate the campus and beyond. A mini treasure hunt that asks you to locate landmarks, sample a campus resource, or complete a photo challenge helps you learn while you chat with others. Bonus: it gives you practical touchpoints for future hangouts with new friends.

• Light-competition activities with inclusive vibes. A friendly trivia round, a short relay, or a cooperative puzzle race can be a lot of fun when winners aren’t the point. The real win is the shared memory and the quick inside jokes you’ll carry forward.

• Optional, low-stake social gatherings. After the main games, casual hangouts—like a mini-picnic, a group coffee break, or a relaxed meet-and-snack session—offer a soft landing for conversations that didn’t fit into the game times.

If you’re curious about how to participate smoothly, here are a few practical tips

• Show up with curiosity. Leave the “I’ll just observe” mindset at the door. The more you engage, the more you’ll get out of it.

• Sit near someone you don’t know. Break comfort zones by mixing up your seating. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to strike up a conversation when you’re already in the same activity.

• Use simple conversation starters. “What’s one thing you’re hoping to learn this year?” or “What’s your favorite campus spot so far?” are small questions that unlock bigger chats.

• Listen, don’t perform. The goal isn’t to be the most entertaining person in the room. It’s to connect. When you genuinely listen, others notice and reciprocate.

• Be inclusive. If you see someone standing on the edge, invite them into your group. Even small gestures—like saving a seat or sharing a snack—make a difference.

• Bring a lightweight mindset. A little humor helps. If a game doesn’t go as planned, roll with it; improv is often where the best connections happen.

A peek at the digital side of onboarding: how online spaces can boost the human touch

Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding isn’t just about flipping through slides. It’s about creating a social rhythm that translates well online, too. Here are ways digital spaces can mirror the warmth of in-person games:

• Breakout-room buddy odds. Short, rotating breakout sessions let you meet several peers in a safe, small setting. Each room becomes a mini-team, and you return to the main session with a few new friends to share a quick story with.

• Live polls and quick-fire quizzes. Tools like Mentimeter or Kahoot spice up the day. They give everyone a voice and spark laughter when someone nails a quirky answer you didn’t expect.

• Collaborative boards for memory makers. A shared digital whiteboard (like Miro or a simple Google Jamboard) can host a “my campus map” activity where you place notes about your favorite spots and why you like them. Then you chat about why those places resonate.

• Virtual scavenger hunts with a twist. You can adapt a campus scavenger hunt to a digital format—photos, quick videos, or finding items in your own space and sharing the story behind them. It keeps the energy high, even on screen.

• Inclusive design online. Ensure captions, alt text, and accessible breakout options exist. An onboarding that feels welcoming to everyone—regardless of pace or needs—makes the social glue stronger.

What to expect if you’re leading or participating

If you’re guiding an onboarding session, aim for a flow that keeps things moving but allows pockets of downtime for real chats. You’ll see the best outcomes when you balance high-energy games with calmer moments where people can catch their breath and talk about what they’re learning or feeling.

If you’re a participant, expect a few things:

• A little nervous energy is normal. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to pretend to be fearless.

• Quick bonds form in unexpected places. A shared joke or a funny moment in a game creates a memory you’ll revisit.

• Not every activity will click with you, and that’s okay. You’ll still walk away with at least one person you genuinely connected with.

A word on inclusivity and safety

Great onboarding recognizes that not everyone enjoys the same kinds of games. Some people are extroverts; others are quiet by default. The best programs provide choices: a spectrum of activities, optional sessions, and clear options to opt into or step away from. The goal is to create a space where everyone can participate in a way that feels comfortable.

If an activity feels off for someone—whether due to sensory sensitivity, social anxiety, or any other reason—there should be alternative paths that keep the person engaged without forcing a spotlight. That balance isn’t just nice; it’s essential for a healthy, welcoming community.

A quick thought on the bigger picture

Fun onboarding activities aren’t a gimmick. They’re the low-risk, high-reward moment when you can turn a crowded room into a connected community. The upside goes beyond friendships. When students feel seen and supported from day one, they’re more likely to ask questions, take risks, and dive into campus life with confidence. And confidence, as you’ll learn quickly, is contagious.

So, what’s the takeaway?

The simplest and most effective way for students to participate in fun activities during onboarding is to join orientation games and team-building activities designed to foster friendships. These moments are crafted to create energetic, collaborative experiences where people meet, mix, and mingle in a natural way. They’re the fast lane to feeling at home, faster than a stack of lectures or a thousand emails ever could.

If you’re about to start your journey, lean into those moments. Bring your curiosity, your sense of humor, and a little courage to say hi to someone new. You’ll likely walk away with more than a few new friends and a lighter stride for the days ahead. And when you remember that first game you played with your new crew, you’ll realize those early, playful hours weren’t just a memory—they were the seed of your campus story.