As FSU students, we take our college campus pop-ups very seriously. Pop-up warriors can be seen on the Union Green waiting long hours for the much-coveted merch freebies. College pop-ups are increasingly popular, and social media platforms are encouraging more brands to participate. These pop-ups usually have limited free merch, causing massive hype and insane lines.
Navigating pop-ups, enduring endless lines, and waiting through long wait times is practically second nature. As someone who survived the White Fox pop-up, obtained the hoodie, and lived to tell the tale, I’m sharing my tips and tricks for surviving a pop-up at FSU.
Consistently Check Social Media
Social media is an outlet for brands to notify audiences of upcoming campus pop-up tours. Brands often list the university they plan to visit and the dates. Personally, I found out about the White Fox pop-up from an Instagram post by their main account. Once I started searching for campus pop-ups on Instagram, the algorithm started showing me more pop-ups. This is key to staying informed about brands going on tour and being first to know.
Most brands, a few days after their initial post notifying the public of a campus tour, post about the freebies they are giving out. This is the point where you decide whether to commit to this pop-up, wait, or show up later. A brand can be mysterious and not mention the freebies they’re giving out, and this brings us to the next phase.
Do Your Research
You might ask, “Why do we need to launch a full congressional investigation into this pop-up before we show up three hours early?” The answer is simple: preparation prevents tragedy, and I refuse to lose a merch battle. I know this may seem a bit obsessive, but it’s essential to know all the details of a pop-up.
The most crucial aspect of a pop-up is whether a limited number of people receive a merchandise item. The level of seriousness with which people approach this pop-up will be determined. If the pop-up had visited other colleges before coming to FSU, I would watch TikTok vlogs to get an idea of what the event is like. Some would mention their arrival time, but you’ll have to ask and comment to others for theirs.
In these videos, see whether the pop-up operates on a first-come, first-served basis or uses a raffle system, similar to the Victoria’s Secret Pink pop-up. This will help you figure out if you’ll want to arrive extremely early or go later when the line winds down.
Stakeout Essentials
For a successful stakeout—or a successful pop-up experience, you’ll need a few essential supplies. First off, you’ll want to bring snacks, water, possibly energy drinks, a towel, a portable fan, and an umbrella. When waiting for over two hours, especially in unbearable heat with no shade, essentials include a fan and an umbrella.
One trick I’ve used while waiting for the White Fox pop-up to begin is ordering from Starbucks as soon as it opens. You get your order in before the morning rush and don’t have to wait a long time for it to be ready. After the sun rises, you’ll feel ten times more tired, and coffee can be a good pick-me-up.
Another essential that many people overlook is a portable charger; also, arrive at the pop-up line with a fully charged computer and phone. While waiting long hours may seem boring, you can spend a bit of the time studying and doing homework. Bring along some headphones, put on music, and dedicate an hour to lock in.
Campus pop-ups are actually intimidating. What do you mean I got there at 6 a.m., but I’m already the forty-fifth person in line? Pop-ups aren’t for the weak, and surviving through these events is genuinely a miracle. With these new tips and tricks, hopefully your next pop-up experiences will be greatly rewarding.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest!