Hi, Bookmark These Actually Fun College Party Themes for Next Semester
Nothing makes a party memorable quite like a theme. Not to get all "back in my day..." but back in my day, I threw a party for my best friend that was centered around two of her favorite things at the time: Kesha and sharks. People still talk about that party *years* later, so I'm convinced that a unique college party theme is the perfect way to make your celebration one to remember. And it doesn't have to be super complicated. Some of these easy college party themes can be thrown together in a day—and you don't have to do a ton of shopping around, since most of your costumes and party supplies can be found on Amazon. Bc where would we be without Prime?
Before we get to the themes, let me just remind you to party responsibly! No underage drinking, stay safe, keep your breakable and valuable stuff away from rowdy guests...you get the idea. I want you to have fun, but I don't want anything bad on my conscience, mkay?
Alright, now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's talk party themes. These themes are perfect whether you're throwing a party in the dorm or off-campus. If you're part of Greek life and you're looking for the best frat party themes, we've got plenty. And don't worry, we Olds didn't just rely on our memories for this—we also looked for college party themes on TikTok. You're welcome!
Without further ado, here are the best college party themes for your next event.
1. Cowboys and Cowgirls Party
Take a cue from Olivia Rodrigo with a cowgirl-themed party. I mean, I know you already have the boots. Consider this your official invite to play Shania and Dolly hits all night long.
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2. Risky Business Party
The best part about this party theme inspired by the Tom Cruise movie is that everyone basically already has the costume (and also, it looks good on everyone).
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3. Oktoberfest Party
This is a classic party theme for a reason. I mean, there's simply no denying that everyone looks good in dirndls and lederhosen.
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4. Baywatch Party
Dig out that lifeguard shirt from your high school summer job. If you don't have one handy, it's easy to find everything you need on Amazon.
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5. Beanies and Bikinis Party
This party theme is...pretty much what it sounds like. Get out your fave 'kini and any beanie, and prepare to party.
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6. Drop It Like F. Scott Party
A Gatsby-themed party is always in style. Grab your flapper-inspired dress and feather headband and party like it's 1920.
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7. Barbie Party
Come on, Barbie, let's go party! Obviously, the Barbiecore trend is here to stay. While you wait for the release of the Barbie film, starring Margot Robbie, throw a Barbie-themed bash for all the Barbie girls.
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8. Rave Party
Load up the playlist with songs from Tiësto, Avicii, and Martin Garrix for your DIY rave. With an EDM-heavy playlist and plenty of glow sticks, this is sure to be a party to remember.
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9. You Are What You (Responsibly) Drink Party
This one is sure to get the creative juices (and drinks) flowing. Everyone comes dressed as their drink of choice. Like, you could wear a pirate costume if your drink is Captain Morgan, or dress like a goose if you drink Grey Goose. OR keep it simple and grab a tee with your fave drink on it.
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10. Anything But a Cup Party
Wear your go-to party clothes, but come with some kind of creative vessel for your drinks throughout the night. Think an empty soap dispenser, a boot (unworn, ideally!!), a plastic baseball bat with the end cut off...you get the idea.
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11. Taylor Swift Eras Party
Even if you didn't get tickets to the Eras tour, you can still wear your would-be concert outfit to the Taylor Swift Eras party you're about to throw. Go for something dreamy and romantic for the Speak Now era, something snake-themed for Reputation, or a celestial dress for Midnights. Luckily, Taylor's given you plenty to work with here.
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12. Graffiti Party
Have your guests dress in white items they don't mind sacrificing and hand everyone markers or neon paint at the door. People can draw or write on each other's shirts—and if you cover your walls in white paper, they can make some art there too. Fair warning: This can get messy, so I'd move your furniture if you don't want neon paint on it.
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13. Après Ski Party
You don't have to spend the day on the slopes to throw an après ski party (though you can if that's your thing, of course). If you don't already have ski gear, you can grab goggles and a beanie on Amazon without spending too much.
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14. Jersey Party
If you're trying to come up with a theme for a party that's happening on short notice, here's an easy one: sports jerseys. Most people have or can borrow them, and they're basically an instant conversation starter for guests who don't know each other.
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15. When I Grow Up Party
Okay, this is actually such a cute idea! Everyone comes dressed up as whatever they wanted to be when they were a kid, like a ballerina or a firefighter. You get bonus points if it's related to your major.
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16. Disney Party
Don't lie, everyone has a favorite Disney character! There are sooo many possible costume choices here, from princesses to villains to animals. It's a theme that can be both cute and sexy—and isn't that what college costume parties are really all about?
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17. Y2K Party
Channel your inner child and party like it's 1999. Sorry, that was cheesy, but this theme will be such a crowd-pleaser. Who doesn't love nostalgia? And inflatable furniture? Brb, just queuing up The Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack, because this party is what dreams are made of. (Had to!)
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18. Pajama Party
A classique! Take it up a notch from the pajama party days of your youth by slipping into something a lil' fahncier and sexier (if you're into that). Plus, when you get home, you can literally just fall into bed. Hell yes.
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19. Anything But Clothes Party
The name of this theme says it all: You must wear anything BUT actual clothing. What does that mean, you ask? I dunno, because it's totally up to you, but below are a few thought starters for your very smart and creative brain. You got this.
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20. Royal Wedding Party
The fashion! The prestige! The romance! The grandeur! We all love a royal wedding, so why not throw your own? Bonus points if you play the IRL footage from Meg and Harry's wedding on a projector.
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21. '80s Party
It's literally the easiest theme up in here, so you're welcome. All you gotta do is pile on the bright colors, throw on some Whitney Houston or Bruce Springsteen, and do your best jazzercise routine.
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22. Masquerade Party
Remember how thrilling the Gossip Girl masquerade ball episode was? Yeah, you deserve your own night just like that, but without all the cheating and sneaking around. Tell your guests to don their prettiest masks and gowns—we're going all out!
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23. Reality TV Party
No matter who your favorite Housewife is, or if you think the Miami seasons of Jersey Shore were better (you're correct), there's something for everyone here. Oh, and I dare you to ask every guest if they're "here for the right reasons" all night long.
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24. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
The dress code for this winter fave is simple: Just throw on the ugliest holiday sweater you can find and give an award at the end of the night to the best (er, worst?) dressed! Look, I'm also not opposed to throwing this party in the middle of summer. You do you.
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25. Mary-Kate and Ashley Party
Queens. Legends. Icons. The only actual #GirlBosses who matter. Have everyone dress up as characters from their favorite Mary-Kate and Ashley movie (peep those Winning London-esque bucket hats) or iconic street style outfits from their NYU days. You know the vibes.
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