[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!
- [Simple Games] Recommended Indoor Recreational Activities for Adults
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for college students
- A roundup of recommended icebreakers for college students
- No worries even in the rain! Fun recreational activities you can do in the gym
- Team-based recreational activities for adults that are fun even with large groups
- Recreation Ideas That Truly Excite High School Students! A Fun Collection of Activities
- A collection of simple indoor recreational games
- Recreation Popularity Rankings for High School Students
- Fun activities for junior high school students. Recreation games.
- Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
- Games to Liven Up the Freshers’ Welcome Party
- Games and activities everyone can enjoy together. A collection of fun play ideas.
- Break the ice with intros and team battles! Party games to spice up your welcome event
[For University Students] A Collection of Exciting Games and Recreational Activities (21–30)
Magical Banana
Magical Banana” is a word-association game that became popular from an old TV show and has since become a classic pastime.
The game starts with “Magical Banana—when you say banana, you think of?” Players answer with something associated with banana, then pass it to the next person, and so on.
You’re out not only if your association is off, but also if you fail to keep up with the rhythm.
Pedometer Game
This is a game called the Pedometer Game.
You attach a pedometer to a part of your body and, within a set time, keep shaking it—the person with the highest step count wins.
Pedometers are sold even at 100-yen shops, so instead of just one, try attaching lots to your hands, feet, head, and more; you’ll end up moving in funny ways and have a blast.
Don’t be shy—get moving!
Arm Wrestling Tournament
How about arm wrestling as an idea that requires no preparation or practice and is guaranteed to get everyone excited? Everyone knows arm wrestling: two people face each other, rest one elbow on the table, clasp hands, and start.
The winner is the one who pushes the opponent’s arm down.
It’s so simple and universally known that it’s bound to be a hit! You could make it a team competition where the next challenger steps in each time someone loses.
You could also split men and women into separate brackets, or if you mix genders, introduce handicaps to even things out.
Angel and Devil Command Game
This is a game based on the popular TikTok “Angel and Devil Command Game.” In the original, players split into angels and devils and perform four poses rhythmically.
Here, you ride the rhythm and strike the pose prompted by the given challenge, then decide who did it best.
Be sure to decide the answering order beforehand.
It’s surprisingly hard to do when you’re put on the spot!
No-English game
I also recommend the “no-English” game that you can start right away.
The rule is simple: as long as you don’t speak English, you’re fine.
It sounds easy at first, but you’ll be surprised how often English slips out.
Words like “game” or “OK,” which we use in everyday life, are especially easy to say without thinking.
You can deepen your bond by playing this game while doing something else or enjoying a conversation.
Have fun while checking that neither of you is using any English.
First Impressions Game
At university, there are lots of chances to meet new people, right? A great icebreaker game to help you quickly get comfortable with people you’ve just met is the “First Impressions Game.” It’s best played in a large group! First, decide on a prompt—something like “Who here seems most likely to ___?” or “Someone who is ___.” Then, on a signal, everyone points to the person they think best fits the answer.
By playing this game, you can learn what kind of impressions you have of each other, which helps you warm up to one another quickly!
Gesture Game
It’s the familiar “gesture game” you often see on Japanese variety shows.
While it’s commonly played as a team competition, this version introduces a serious, fully cooperative team-play style.
The prompts aren’t simple—they’re a bit challenging, so you really have to commit to your gestures to get the message across.
If you’re playing with close friends, inside jokes are sure to make it even more fun.