The first day of a new term can feel daunting for many college students. A few students may arrive with friends, but for most, it means entering a room full of strangers, unsure how to connect. Traditional icebreaker games like Two Truths and a Lie or sharing things about your family have their place, but they don’t always spark genuine connections. That’s where animal encounters provide something genuinely unique — transforming the beginning of a course into an unforgettable, shared experience.
Why Animal Encounters Work Better Than Traditional Ice Breakers
When students attend their first class, the goal is simple: get them talking, laughing, and feeling comfortable. Animal encounters provide precisely that. Unlike index cards or “find someone with the same hair color” games, animals create an immediate point of interest.
Watching a hedgehog curl up, a snake slither across a table, captures attention in a way that words alone cannot.
Instead of small groups being hesitant to speak, animal experiences encourage students to:
- Ask questions
- Share fun facts
- Describe what they see
- Join in naturally without feeling put on the spot
This helps build connections quickly, making participants feel relaxed and ready to engage with both their peers and the class content.
Turning Animal Experiences into Ice Breaker Games
Our workshops don’t just bring animals into the room – they create structured, interactive icebreaker activities designed for college classes. Here are a few examples that work great:
Animal Introductions: Instead of the usual “say your name and one thing you like,” students introduce themselves while holding or observing an animal. For example, “I’m Sarah, and I’m as curious as this gecko.” It’s fun, memorable, and helps everyone connect names with unique traits.
Guess the Animal Fact: Students can hand out small pieces of paper with fascinating facts about the animals. One person reads it aloud, and the group guesses which animal it describes. It works excellently in breakout rooms or small groups and encourages students to engage in quick discussions.
Link Arms Challenge: After meeting an animal, students form small groups, link arms, and come up with a creative sentence that includes both their name and a fun word describing the animal. Example: “I’m Alex, and I’m as bold as a bearded dragon.”
By embedding animals into the activities, ice breakers feel fresh, inclusive, and far more engaging than repeating the same old “eye color” or “favourite food” introductions.
The Benefits for Students and Teachers
Bringing animals into the classroom at the beginning of a course does more than break the ice; it also fosters a sense of community and engagement. It creates a positive classroom culture from day one:
- Boosts confidence – Even shy students find it easier to participate when the focus is on animals instead of themselves.
- Encourages teamwork – Small groups working together to answer questions or describe animals fosters collaboration.
- Creates shared memories – Students leave not just knowing each other’s names but remembering the day they met a snake or held a giant snail.
- Supports wellbeing – Studies show that interaction with animals reduces stress and helps students feel calmer, a welcome break during the first week of term.
For teachers, these sessions also mean students are more engaged and ready to participate in discussions throughout the academic year. We have booked more than 1000 events this year, and our Animal Encounters and Science Workshops are suitable for both adults and children over the age of six.
Real-World Impact: More Than Just Fun
Animal encounters for new college classes aren’t only about fun. They reinforce learning outcomes, too. Students gain:
- A first-hand understanding of biology, ecology, and animal behaviour.
- The chance to connect theory with real-world examples.
- An appreciation of nature and conservation.
From younger students at sixth form to older participants at university level, age-appropriate workshops ensure that everyone enjoys a fun yet educational experience tailored to their needs.
Why Wild Science?
Wild Science is the UK’s leading provider of animal encounters and science workshops. We’ve worked with schools, universities, care homes, and community events across the UK, delivering exceptional learning experiences that combine education and entertainment.
Wild Science proudly served across 83 counties, delivered over 1,400 events this year, and brought unforgettable science and animal encounters to communities for more than 11 years.
Our team is highly trained in zoology, biology, and animal welfare. They know how to create engaging icebreakers that are both safe and age-appropriate, making them unforgettable. Whether it’s a small class, a large lecture, or an entire school science day, our sessions are tailored to the group size and course needs.
👉 Did you know? Meeting animals like snakes, hedgehogs, or giant snails in the classroom helps students feel more relaxed and open, often sparking conversations that continue long after the session ends. That’s why our workshops are an excellent way to kick off the academic year.
What is the 4 C’s icebreaker game, and how does Wild Science do things differently?
The 4 C’s icebreaker game encourages students to share something about their Country, Colour, Cuisine, and Career aspirations. While it’s a fun way to learn about classmates, Wild Science takes ice-breaking further with live animal encounters. Instead of just talking, students interact with animals, share fascinating facts, and bond through a hands-on, unforgettable experience that instantly sparks conversation.
Please note that the list of animals we bring to events may vary, and we cannot guarantee the presence of any particular species.
Book Your Animal Encounter Session for New College Classes
Don’t let the first day of term be filled with awkward silences and half-hearted introductions. Instead, bring Wild Science to your campus and give students an ice breaker they’ll never forget. From practical work with animals to hands-on science activities, our workshops provide the perfect mix of fun, learning, and connection.
Contact us today to book your Animal Encounter workshop and make your next course launch, Fresher’s Week, or welcome session a fantastic day full of laughter, learning, and unforgettable experiences.
Our workshops feature:
- Hands-on animal encounters with expert guidance
- Educational content aligned with the school curriculum
- Safe, supervised interactions for all ages
- Flexible scheduling across London and the South East
Related Services:
- School Workshops: Curriculum-aligned science and animal education
- Birthday Parties: Memorable animal encounters for special celebrations
- Corporate Events: Team-building experiences with wildlife
- Care Home Visits: Therapeutic animal interactions for residents
- Private Consultations: Expert advice on pet care and animal behaviour
Service Areas: London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, and throughout the South East of England
Available for: Schools, birthday parties, corporate events, care homes, and special events.
For more details, up-to-date prices, and to make a booking, please call us or reach us on WhatsApp
