Why Scavenger Hunts Work for Welcome Week

College Welcome Week can feel like a whirlwind of name tags, awkward icebreakers, and walking tours. But a scavenger hunt? That’s an experience. Scavenger hunts get new students moving, talking, and exploring while building comfort and connection across campus.

They’re more than just fun, they help students actually learn where things are, meet new people, and get involved.

Why Proxi Scavenger Hunts Are a Game-Changer

With Proxi, you can build app-free, customizable scavenger hunts that anyone can use. No coding, no downloads, no confusion.

🎯 Set up clues
📍 Use QR codes, geo-locations, or secret codes to unlock stops
📸 Enable students upload photos from the experience
🎁 Award prizes or points for completing actions and tasks like signing up for a newsletter or finding the mascot
🎨 Brand your hunt with your school colors and logos
📊 Track participation with built-in analytics
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Invite unlimited participants and teams!

Whether you’re planning for a campus-wide orientation or a Greek life recruitment event, Proxi makes it easy.

Start Here: The Classic Campus Hunt

Before we dive into the more creative concepts, let’s talk about a Welcome Week staple that never goes out of style: the Campus Classics Hunt.

📍 Campus Classics Hunt

This hunt is all about introducing students to the must-know landmarks on campus—those places every student should recognize by the end of their first week. Think of it as a self-guided orientation tour, but way more fun and memorable.

Here’s how to set it up in Proxi:

✅ Choose Your Classic Spots
Pick 8–10 iconic or meaningful campus locations. These could include:

The oldest building on campus
A quirky statue or piece of public art
The main lecture hall or auditorium
The campus bell tower or clock
The coziest library corner or reading room
A scenic viewpoint or hidden courtyard
Your school’s mascot statue
The student union or main dining hall

✅ Add Interactive Tasks at Each Stop
Make it more than just “go here.” Add an activity to each point using Proxi’s custom activity points. Some ideas:

Snap a selfie with the mascot statue
Find a fun fact on a plaque and type it in to unlock the next clue
Learn the school chant and record a short video (or just say you did!)
Check in with geolocation or a QR code at the stop

✅ Layer in Bonus Engagements
Use Proxi’s additional activity options to let students:

Upload their photos to a shared feed
Answer trivia about campus
Complete optional bonus tasks for extra points

✅ Keep It App-Free & Easy to Share
Just share the Proxi hunt via a link or QR code during orientation sessions or on signage around campus. Students can access it on any device, no downloads required.

✅ Track Participation
Use Proxi’s built-in analytics to see how many students complete the hunt, which stops are most popular, and when they engage. You can even use this data for prizes or follow-ups!

It's simple, scalable, and super welcoming, and with Proxi, it’s easier than ever to launch.

Let’s level it up with some creative twists that go beyond the usual tour stops and turn your scavenger hunt into a memorable, interactive experience.

5 Creative Scavenger Hunt Ideas

1. 📸 Photo Challenge Adventure

Give students a photo checklist that encourages school spirit and creativity:

Snap a pic in your school gear
Recreate the school mascot’s pose
Take a panoramic shot of the stadium

With Proxi’s photo upload feature, you can collect and display these submissions right on the map—hello, social feed!

2. 🎭 Campus Culture Quest

Want students to get involved? Build a hunt where each stop introduces them to a club, org, or performance group. Let student leaders man each station, answer questions, and collect interest signups.

Proxi Tip: Add a bonus activity point if a student signs up for something or talks to a leader.

3. 🎁 Hidden Swag Hunt

Everyone loves free stuff. Hide stickers, coupons, or “golden ticket” prizes around campus and mark them on your map with Proxi’s treasure point feature. You can make it competitive (“First 10 get the prize!”) or just for fun.

Great for promoting campus brands, local sponsors, or even your own department.

4. 💬 People-Powered Clues

Mix things up by making the challenge about who students interact with—not just where they go.
Clue examples:

Ask an RA for the WiFi password
Find someone who’s in student government
Talk to a librarian about study tips

It encourages meaningful conversations and builds comfort fast. Proxi lets you customize each clue to include bonus tasks or questions to answer at the stop.

5. ☕ Off-Campus Gems

Help students discover what’s around them. Build a hunt that highlights:

The best local coffee shop
A bookstore that sells used textbooks
A favorite student hangout in the park
Murals or art in the community

You’ll foster exploration, encourage students to support local, and help them feel like they belong in your college town.

Proxi makes this seamless, add business info, website links, or even exclusive deals right on the map.

Ready to Build Your Own?

You don’t need an app. You don’t need a developer.
You just need Proxi.

Create your scavenger hunt in minutes, add custom clues, track engagement, and share it with students via link or QR code. From full-campus welcome week events to niche club challenges, Proxi’s interactive scavenger hunts are a fun, flexible way to welcome students and make lasting first impressions.