As high school seniors around the nation gear up for the next chapter of their lives, a new trend has taken over the scene, captivating both students and parents alike: college bed parties. A creative and festive way to celebrate college acceptances, these parties are becoming increasingly popular, especially showcased on platforms like TikTok, where they spark inspiration for families looking to celebrate in style.
Understanding College Bed Parties
The concept of college bed parties originated during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as a means for families to celebrate significant milestones while maintaining social distancing. The centerpiece of these celebrations is often a bed or an inflatable mattress, elaborately decorated with college merchandise, colors, and symbols. It’s not just about festivity; it’s a photogenic moment designed to be shared far and wide, from the confines of a living room to the expanse of a backyard.
TikTok has played a pivotal role in popularizing this trend. Users on the platform share videos ranging from time-lapse setups of the bed decorations to the joyful reactions of students as they see their surprise party for the first time. Popular hashtags like #CollegeBedParty and #CollegeDecisionDay abound, serving as hubs for community sharing and ideas. These posts are not only fun—they’re a wellspring of creativity, offering a variety of themes from minimalist chic to extravagant displays brimming with school spirit.
Who Sets Up the College Bed Parties?
The execution of a college bed party typically involves a collaborative effort spearheaded by the student’s parents and a close circle of friends. The responsibilities are often divided to manage the workload and costs: parents usually handle the pricier items like themed decorations and college apparel, while friends might contribute by bringing food or smaller gifts.
This preparation often occurs while the student is out, akin to a traditional surprise party. The aim is to transform a space into a celebratory scene that greets the student with cheers and smiles upon their return, marking the start of the festivities that usually include snacks, cakes, and a lot of picture-taking for social media.
Managing the Costs of a College Bed Party
Interested in throwing a bed party but concerned about expenses? There are numerous ways to celebrate without breaking the bank. Shopping at dollar stores, discount outlets, and online platforms like Amazon can provide budget-friendly options for party essentials. Despite the potential for high costs, the event doesn’t need to be extravagant. Simple, thoughtful decorations and homemade treats can also capture the spirit of the occasion perfectly.
Ideas for College Bed Parties
Here’s a list of themed college bed party ideas tailored for each of the specified universities, emphasizing their unique colors, mascots, and school spirit:
- North Carolina State University
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- Theme: Wolfpack Wonderland
- Decor: Bright red and white streamers, Wolfpack banners, and cozy wolf-themed bedding. Incorporate paw prints and images of the campus, along with red and white fairy lights for a festive touch.
- Activities: Organize a pack howl competition, where guests compete to mimic the Wolfpack howl, and set up a DIY face painting station with red and white designs. Offer a snack bar featuring red treats and NC State ice cream.
@lisabrowncarlton College commitment bed party, NC State! ❤️🖤❤️🖤#college #collegelife #hottytoddy #collegegiftideas #collegestudent #reachforthestars #ncstate #collegemerch #collegemerchreview #collegegameday #gamedayoutfitinspo #gamedayoutfitideas #footballgameoutfits #tailgateoutfit #tailgateoutfitinspo #footballgameootd #tailgateootd #graduationgiftideas #gradgiftideas #collegebedpartyswag #collegebedpartyinspo #collegebedpartygift #collegebedpartygiftideas #collegebedparty #bedpartyinspiration #collegebeddecorating #collegebedparty #collegebedparties #ncstatewolfpack #ncstateuniversity ♬ Pretty Girl Era – Super Disco Mix – LU KALA -
- University of Mississippi
- Theme: Rebel Blue Bash
- Decor: Navy blue and cardinal red bedding, Ole Miss flags, and decorations featuring the Colonel Reb mascot. Add touches of Southern charm with magnolia garlands and vintage-style Ole Miss pennants.
- Activities: Set up a Southern-style lemonade and sweet tea bar, host a trivia game about the university’s history, and include a photo booth with props like football helmets, pom-poms, and classic Southern attire (bow ties, sun hats).
@alyssa.roblek ole miss bound! #olemiss #gorebels #olemiss28 #bedparty #college #collegeacceptance ♬ Whip It – BigXthaPlug
- University of Miami
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- Theme: Tropical Hurricane Party
- Decor: Green and orange streamers, hurricane lamps filled with colored sand, and palm tree decorations.
- Activities: Tropical smoothie bar and a beach ball volleyball game.
@lauren.dominguezzz HELL YEAH 🙌🏼#universityofmiami #umiami2026 #fyp #foryoupage #bedparty ♬ Its All About the U – Uncle Luke -
- University of Arizona
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- Theme: Desert Bloom Festivity
- Decor: Red and blue Southwestern patterns on bedding, cactus centerpieces, and sunset scene setters.
- Activities: DIY succulent planting station and a virtual reality tour of the Grand Canyon.
@mydiscobayhome University of Arizona Bed party ‼️💙❤️ @University of Arizona #classof2024 #classof2028 #universityofarizona #bedparty #college #dormdecor #ua #arizona #zonazoo #accepted #wildcat #beardown #uofa #uofarizona #hunter #nike #nikedunk #smartwater#dorito #oreo #pringles #lululemon #wilmawildcat #wilburwildcat #tucson #tucsonarizona #pepsi #uofamom ♬ Bear Down Arizona – Arizona Wildcats – Live – The University of Arizona Marching Band -
- University of Oklahoma
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- Theme: Sooner Schooner Rally
- Decor: Crimson and cream streamers, a model of the Sooner Schooner, and horse-themed decor.
- Activities: A mini-football toss game and singing the fight song competition.
@cuter_tudor It’s college bed party season which means seniors announce where they are going to college! This one is for the sweetest client going to OU! Decorations, treats, & lots of gifts! #bedparty #collegebedparty #senioryear #classof2024 #oklahomauniversity #OU #fyp ♬ Football Champs (Overdue) – SNC -
- Penn State University
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- Theme: Nittany Lion’s Den
- Decor: Blue and white checkered bedding, plush mountain lions, and Penn State flags.
- Activities: “Roar Like a Nittany Lion” contest and a blue-and-white cookie decorating station.
@creativejawns WE ARE BABYYYYYY 🐾💙🤍 link in bio to order your creativejawns college merch 🛒 #creativejawns #beddecorating #beddecoratingparty #collegebedparty #bedparty #bedpartydecor #collegegift #collegeblanket #collegebound #shopcreativejawns #beddecor #beddecoration #collegeacceptance #collegecommit #classof2028 #college #pennstate #psu #weare ♬ original sound – creativejawns -
- Syracuse University
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- Theme: Orange Out Party
- Decor: Orange balloons, orange LED lights, and decorations featuring Otto the Orange.
- Activities: Syracuse trivia challenge and an orange-themed snack bar.
@4283miles #ColorCustomizer #syracuse #college #bedparty #fyp #viral ♬ GRAVITY (FEAT. TYLER, THE CREATOR) – Brent Faiyaz & Dahi -
- University of Alabama
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- Theme: Crimson Tide Celebration
- Decor: Crimson and white decorations, elephant mascots, and championship banners.
- Activities: Tailgate-style barbecue and a DIY crimson tie-dye station.
@natchyllaspatchula We surprised her and gave her room a makeover with a college bed party… ROLL TIDE 🐘 So proud of her! #fyp #bama #sisters #surprise #bedroommakeover #subscribe @Jullia 🙂 ♬ original sound – natchylla -
- University of Florida
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- Theme: Gator Gathering
- Decor: Blue and orange streamers, alligator inflatables, and swamp-themed backdrops.
- Activities: “Swamp Survival” scavenger hunt and a Gatorade cocktail mixing contest.
@creativejawns ATTN NEW GATORS: creativejawns has you covered with the sickest UF merch in the game 🐊🧡💙 #creativejawns #bedparty #collegebedparty #uf #universityofflorida #uf2027 #uflorida #collegecommit ♬ Strut – Kyle Walker -
- UCLA
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- Theme: Bruin Bonanza
- Decor: Blue and gold streamers, UCLA pennants, and images of the campus and Los Angeles.
- Activities: Hollywood-style photo booth and a “Best of Westwood” food tasting station featuring local favorites.
@hypeandvice Welcome to College Class of 2028! 💫🫶 Best college acceptance gift! #hypeandvice #collegebedparty #collegeacceptance #classof2028 #college #ucla #fyp #gobruins #collegereactions ♬ 7 years latch sped up – ❥︎mxmlln -
Each party theme is crafted to reflect the distinctive spirit and tradition of the respective university, ensuring the celebration is both fun and memorable for all attendees.
Mixed Reactions to College Bed Parties
The trend, while festive and exciting, has elicited mixed feelings among parents. Some see it as a fun addition to the array of modern celebratory practices—akin to promposals and gender reveal parties—while others view it as an over-the-top festivity that reflects broader societal shifts towards more lavish celebrations.
