I am bringing a University of Arizona plastic cup to class. I received this cup for free at a college fair almost three years ago. I still have it to this day because it is a practical item and something I can use everyday.
This item was a valuable advertising technique to this company and this college because it is a conversation topic every time you take a drink out of it. When you use it other people see it and you see it, and the school as a brand is reinforced in your head. I have kept this so long because I can use it often. It’s not a sticker or a frisbee or something I can lose easily or not use often. Giving away free cups even though they pay for them has a high return value because it can get a conversation started that may contribute to a student wanting to go to the school, and make a four year commitment. The cups are fun and valuable because they last and we talk about the University of Arizona often when I use the cup.
Rachel Valentine 
Cups are a good piece of schwag for this college to give out. People can use cups at home for when they want a drink. But every time you use this cup you think of the University of Arizona.
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Aside from actual products that companies are trying to sell, practical items (i.e. cups, pens, water bottles, etc) are great ways to gain brand recognition. These are all things that are used on a daily basis, the they are good way to gain exposure. It is essentially (almost) free advertising, which allows for a greater return on investment. I have a St. Johnsbury Academy (my high school) cup on my desk that I use as a pencil cup. They gave it to me when I started there. Giving this to me (along with stuff like a t-shirt and drawstring back pack) was a good way to adorn me with their logo and help persuade my decision (even if I already knew I was going to go there anyway since it was the closest high school).
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I notice that when you have a piece of college schwag that isn’t from the area, people seem to ask you if you are from that area or go to that college. I have a Boston College sweatshirt and I wear it around town and sometimes people in stores ask me if I go to that college. (Sometimes I say I do just to incite conversation.!)
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