How to Throw a Graduate School Party

The unique nature of graduate school makes a post-graduation party difficult to plan. Graduate students are older and busier than high school and undergraduate students who attend graduation events annually. You need to throw a graduate school party around the schedule of your student as well as likely guests.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Board games
• Softball equipment

1. Simplify your graduate school party by requesting the use of a department's lounge as a venue. You can throw a basic party with snacks, games and conversation without frills in an unused lounge after graduation.

2. Consult with your student's advising professor to throw a great party. A professor can provide insight into local restaurants, bars and hot spots for students to be used as a party venue.

3. Locate quizzes and games applicable to your graduate student's area of study to help you throw a great party. A quiz about historical oddities and a few board games help graduate students relax after long hours in the library.

4. Separate a celebratory dinner from your party to celebrate your student's success in a more intimate way. A quiet dinner at a local restaurant eases a graduate into an evening of fun and frivolity with friends and colleagues.

5. Figure out pockets of free time in the work and school schedules of your graduate student before you throw an elaborate party. A simple party in late afternoon between research and an evening class can be as memorable as a massive party on the weekend.

6. Speak with public park officials about the use of softball fields for a friendly game between graduate students and faculty. A weekend game followed by a barbecue lets your graduate student enjoy the company of colleagues outside of school.

7. Finish off your graduate party by taking your guests out for a round of drinks. You can hit the town with graduate students, faculty and friends to blow off steam from years of earnest study.

Tips & Warnings

• Pursue a gift for a graduate student that reflects her high academic attainment. A small gift like a book on her area of study and an interesting documentary provide inexpensive options pertinent to a graduate student. Larger gifts like a new desk or design software are practical options for a graduate student.