How to Throw a Paid College Event (And Actually Make Money)

Want to host a college event that actually makes money? Here’s how:

• Choose the right event type: Popular options include DJ nights, themed parties, food festivals, or exclusive gatherings. Pick something students are excited to pay for.

• Plan your budget: List all costs (venue, security, marketing) and calculate a break-even ticket price. Use tiered pricing like early bird discounts to boost sales.

• Sell tickets online: Use a platform like DoorList for secure, easy ticketing with zero fees. QR check-ins make entry smooth and prevent fake tickets.

• Promote smartly: Use social media (Instagram, TikTok) and campus partnerships to spread the word. Offer group discounts or promo codes to drive sales.

• Manage event day efficiently: Use QR code check-ins, track attendance in real-time, and review data to improve future events.

These steps, combined with tools like DoorList, can help you turn your campus event into a profitable success. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Making Money from University Club nights | Event Planning ...

1. Choose Your Event Type

Making money starts with picking an event that students are excited about - and willing to pay for. Below are some event types that consistently sell tickets on college campuses.

Party and Music Events

DJ nights and themed parties are always a hit. Create an experience that feels worth the price:

• Premium DJ Events: Book popular local DJs to justify higher ticket prices.

• Themed Parties: Plan events like holiday celebrations, decade-themed nights, or costume parties.

• BYOB Gatherings: Keep costs low while providing a casual, fun atmosphere.

"Being able to control the amount of people at packed events, and ensure safety has made this app one of my favorites." – Michael Brown, Wisconsin

Special Events

Offer one-of-a-kind experiences that students can’t easily find elsewhere. These events often allow for higher ticket prices:

• Date Auctions: Great for fundraising or charity efforts.

• Talent Shows: Showcase campus performers and entertainers.

• Exclusive Gatherings: Think rooftop parties or VIP-only events.

• Networking Mixers: Help students connect with peers and professionals.

"This app is easy to use, has an organized interface, and is overall a great way to network with different social groups on a college campus, great app to have if you're a student." – Laura Martinez, USC

Food Events

Food-centered events combine socializing with something everyone loves - good eats:

• Brunch Parties: Pair a laid-back weekend brunch with live music or entertainment.

• Food Festivals: Bring in multiple vendors or local restaurants for variety.

• Tasting Events: Host wine, cheese, or chocolate tastings (21+ where required).

"DoorList has made organizing and attending campus events so much easier. Instead of juggling wristbands or multiple apps, I can handle everything in one spot." – John Pitt, UC Berkeley

Tailor your event to the campus vibe and the time of year. For example, Greek life events are popular during peak social seasons, while academic-focused events work better during quieter times. Once you’ve settled on your event type, focus on setting a budget and pricing it right to maximize your earnings.

2. Plan Your Budget and Pricing

Add Up Your Costs

Start by listing every expense tied to your event. Common costs include:

• Venue rental: Compare prices for both on-campus and off-campus spaces.

• Sound equipment: This covers rentals for DJs or other music setups.

• Security services: Necessary if your event needs extra protection.

• Decorations: Include themed decor to match your event's vibe.

• Marketing materials: Think posters, flyers, and digital ads.

• Insurance: Coverage for the event itself.

• Entertainment: Costs for local DJs or performers.

Add these up, then divide by your estimated number of attendees to find your break-even ticket price. Be sure to include a small buffer for unexpected expenses. Once you have your break-even figure, create a pricing strategy to encourage early ticket sales.

Set Multiple Price Levels

Tiered pricing is a smart way to reward early buyers and create urgency. For example:

• Early Bird Discounts: Offer reduced prices to the first wave of buyers.

• Standard Admission: Set a regular rate for most attendees.

• Last-Minute Tickets: Charge slightly more for late purchases.

This strategy not only boosts early sales but also helps you control attendance and manage your budget better.

Use DoorList Price Tools

Take advantage of DoorList's features to maximize ticket sales. Here’s how:

• Group Discounts: Encourage multi-ticket purchases with discounts for groups.

• Dynamic Pricing: Automatically adjust ticket prices as the event date nears.

• Custom Discount Codes: Create unique codes for campus organizations or partners.

• Paired Tickets: Offer a "+1" option to drive more sales.

With DoorList's real-time dashboard, you can track sales and make quick adjustments - like extending early bird pricing or launching flash sales - to keep momentum going.

3. Set Up Online Ticketing

Sell Tickets the Right Way

Forget cash or Venmo - selling tickets online gives your event a professional edge. An online ticketing system not only boosts your event's credibility but also reassures attendees, encouraging higher turnout and active participation.

Here’s what you gain:

• Accurate attendance tracking

• Elimination of duplicate or fake tickets

• Collection of guest information

• Secure payment processing

• Instant sales reports

Let’s take it a step further with DoorList.

Why Use DoorList?

DoorList simplifies ticketing for college events with its QR code check-in system, making entry fast and ensuring tickets are legitimate.

Key features include:

• Zero Processing Fees: Keep every dollar from your ticket sales.

• Real-Time Updates: Track sales and RSVPs instantly.

• No App Required: Guests can purchase tickets or check in directly through a web browser.

"This app is wonderful! Great for managing the entrance of who does and does not enter our fraternity events" – Hayden Reece, Yale

From ticket sales to attendance reports, DoorList handles it all in one place. It’s an all-in-one solution for running your event smoothly while maximizing profits.

4. Market Your Event

Now that your budget is in place and ticketing is sorted, it’s time to focus on packing the venue.

Social Media Marketing

Get the word out on Instagram and TikTok with eye-catching posts, teasers, and countdowns.

• Highlight key details like date, time, and location

• Use bold visuals or quick video clips

• Add direct ticket links to your bio

• Create and promote a unique event hashtag

• Post countdowns in your stories

Pro tip: Schedule your posts for peak activity hours - usually between 8–10 PM on weeknights when students are scrolling. Pair your online efforts with strong connections on campus.

Campus Partnerships

Team up with campus organizations to increase attendance.

• Offer discounts or co-branded materials when collaborating with campus groups

• Cross-promote with other events to expand your reach

• Work with campus influencers or student leaders to spread the word

Heads up: If you’re working with Greek life or sports teams, check their schedules to avoid conflicts with major events or games. You can also streamline your efforts with DoorList's specialized tools.

DoorList Marketing Features

DoorList makes it simple to reach your audience and track your promotional efforts. Here’s how it helps:

• Use the Group Invite feature to send bulk invitations to campus groups

• Keep attendees updated with event details through Text Updates

Start with the Group Invite feature to lock in a core audience, then ramp up ticket sales through your social media campaigns.

5. Manage Event Day

Event day is when everything comes together. With the right tools and preparation, you can ensure check-ins run smoothly while collecting useful data for your future events.

Check In Guests

Make entry seamless with DoorList's QR code check-ins. These instantly verify tickets, cutting out the need for manual checks.

Tips for smooth check-ins:

• Set up your check-in station in a well-lit area.

• Have a backup device ready in case of technical issues.

• Ensure there’s a clear and organized flow at the entrance.

Monitor Attendance

After guests are checked in, attendance data becomes your next focus. Real-time tracking lets you identify patterns and manage capacity effectively. Keep an eye on:

• Peak arrival times

• No-show rates

• Group arrival trends

• Headcount compared to tickets sold

This data will be incredibly helpful when planning your next event.

"Great app for hosting events! We used this app for our college student event and it was a huge help in keeping track of our ticket sales :))" - Rohan G, UVA

Review Event Results

Once the event wraps up, take time to analyze key metrics like total check-ins, peak arrival times, and group sizes. These insights can guide adjustments to pricing, promotion, and overall strategy for your next event.

"I haven't been using this app for long, but I can already tell I love it. It works smooth and it great for the doormen to use for parties, events, and other things." - David Wilson, Brown

Success Story

A student group at UC Berkeley transformed its annual holiday festival into a campus favorite - and made it profitable. The event brought in over $5,000 in revenue without incurring any ticketing fees.

"DoorList has made organizing and attending campus events so much easier. Instead of juggling wristbands or multiple apps, I can handle everything in one spot." – John Pitt, UC Berkeley

Here’s how they did it:

This approach shows how thoughtful strategies paired with DoorList's features can make any college event both successful and profitable.

Next Steps

Now that your strategy is in place and ticketing is organized, it's time to bring your plan to life. With accurate pricing and efficient ticketing, you're ready to execute. Head over to doorlist.live - it takes just a few minutes to unlock all the tools you need for a successful college event.

Here’s a quick guide to get started:

• Create your event page: Add key details like pricing tiers, date, time, and what attendees can look forward to.

• Set up ticketing options: Offer early-bird discounts and promo codes to drive early sales while keeping 100% of your profits.

• Promote and track: Share your event link and start spreading the word. Use your dashboard to monitor RSVPs and ticket sales in real-time.

When event day arrives, DoorList makes everything run smoothly with features like:

• QR code check-in for fast entry

• Real-time attendance tracking

• Easy guest list management

• Instant payment processing

"It's perfect for Greek life and other campus events. Definitely worth trying if you're tired of the usual event hassles!" - James Taylor, Michigan

Visit doorlist.live today to start planning your event. Got questions or need help? Email growth@doorlist.app for personalized support or to explore sponsorship opportunities.