[For University Students] A Roundup of Fun Games and Recreational Activities
We’re introducing recommended games and recreational activities for college students!
We’ve gathered a variety of options—from exciting activities perfect for club or seminar retreats and welcome/farewell parties, to simple games for small groups, and large-scale recreation suited for spacious venues like school grounds.
There are plenty of activities you can enjoy indoors too, so no need to worry about the weather on the day!
These can be used across many event scenarios, so feel free to use them as a reference.
Let’s play some classic recreational activities and trending games, and have a great time together!
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[For University Students] Roundup of Exciting Games and Recreational Activities (101–110)
Change Janken
Here’s a variation of rock-paper-scissors where the hands you throw aren’t visible to each other.
Play rock-paper-scissors as usual, but keep your hands hidden and try to imagine what the other person is throwing while asking each other questions.
You’re free to believe or doubt whatever the other person says.
Once you’ve decided on your final hand, reveal them to each other.
It’s a fun twist on the game with a psychological element—give it a try! It might be even more exciting with a larger group.
Air-reading game
Let’s read the room so we don’t overlap with our friends! Here’s a game about reading the air.
It’s a unique game that also helps you develop the ability to act while watching the timing and what’s going on around you.
Everyone forms a circle, and the rules are simple: take turns saying numbers and standing up—what matters is not standing at the same time as your friends.
If everyone manages to stand without overlapping, try sitting down next using the same approach.
Through the game, you’ll likely build your sense of reading the room and making split-second decisions.
The atmosphere is tense when the game starts, but when timings do overlap, you won’t be able to help bursting into laughter!
Debate showdown
Convince your opponent! Here’s a debate showdown.
It’s a great idea for developing logical thinking and communication skills.
Participants exchange opinions based on a given topic and present their arguments to persuade the other side.
In this game, you’ll strengthen not only your speaking skills but also your listening skills and your ability to adjust your views flexibly.
By discussing familiar topics, you can also learn the importance of constructive exchanges through discussion.
30-Second Drawing Contest
It’s a timed drawing contest to see how much you can draw in 30 seconds.
It really gets lively—there are surprisingly many people who say, “I haven’t drawn since elementary school.” Decide on a prompt and have everyone draw at the same time for 30 seconds.
Some people can draw pretty well, and sometimes there’s a hidden master artist among you! You might discover a whole new side of everyone.
Humming Quiz
Humming Quiz is a game recommended for people who love music and singing! The gameplay is similar to an intro quiz, but with a twist.
In Humming Quiz, the quizmaster listens to a song they haven’t heard before on the spot and hums it improvisationally, while the players listen and try to guess the song.
The difficulty changes depending on the quizmaster’s singing ability, so it’s perfect when you’re getting bored of a regular intro quiz! It’s even more fun if you limit the song choices with a theme.
Kazutori-dan
The “bzz-bzz-bzz-bzz” rhythm is so nostalgic! “Kazutori-dan” was a game played by celebrities on the TV show ‘Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!’ and it was hugely popular when it aired.
Many of you probably played it as kids, too.
Kazutori-dan is a game that uses Japanese counters.
Keeping to the rhythm, you respond with the correct counter and way of counting for the item prompted by the previous player.
The number also increases as the turns progress.
For example, it ranges from simple ones like “apples, X-ko” to tougher ones like “chests of drawers, X-sao.” It’s guaranteed to get everyone excited!
A command game popular with both children and adults
It’s a fast-paced game that tests your listening skills and split-second decision-making.
The rules are very clear: if someone says, “Order: do XX,” you perform the action; but if they say only “Do XX” without the word “Order,” you must not move.
If you react by mistake, you’re out, so observation and concentration are essential.
The teacher’s feints will spark laughter across the classroom, creating a fun atmosphere.
Despite the simple rules, there’s a lot of strategy in the rhythm and timing, and it stays exciting no matter how many times you play.
Move or stay still—the instant you decide determines the winner.
Card War
Let me introduce “Card War,” a game with simple rules that’s fun even with a small group.
The dealer hands out two cards to each participant, including themselves.
One card is placed face up so the number is visible, and the other is kept face down so the number is hidden.
Everyone decides whether the total of the visible and hidden cards is larger or smaller than the dealer’s total, and declares one or the other.
After the declarations, everyone flips their face-down card.
If your declaration is correct, you win; if it’s wrong, you lose.
If you prepare some chips, you can enjoy an even more authentic casino feel.
Sorting Game
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♬ Original Song – ICK Co., Ltd. – ICK Co., Ltd.
Let’s use the hints to figure out the answer! Here’s an idea for a rearrangement game.
It’s a great recreation activity for breaks or free time! Once you’ve prepared five types of drinks with two bottles each (like plastic bottled drinks), you’re ready to go! It’s a simple game where you rearrange the drinks and guess the correct order.
The key is for each person to move one item per turn to work toward the correct arrangement.
It’s helpful if the caller can tell the players how many drinks are currently in the correct position.
It looks easy, but it really makes you think! You can also adapt it using stationery or other items instead of drinks.
Escape Game
Let’s work together to solve puzzles and aim for a clear! Here are some escape room ideas.
An escape game is a game in which players solve riddles and puzzles with the goal of escaping from a certain room or place.
If you have classmates who love quizzes, it could be fun to start by creating riddles and give it a try! If you take on the challenge in teams, it will definitely strengthen the team’s unity! By getting the teacher involved and working together, you’re sure to have a wonderful time.