The Drop Zone

The Freshers’ Week takeover that turned students into sign-ups

2,000+ Revolut cards distributed
1,465 Drop Zone plays
800 prizes won
293 new sign-ups
81% of projected sign-up target hit
1 nationwide gamified experience built for cultural cut-through

Revolut wanted to position itself as the go-to student account by showing up with energy, clarity and cultural relevance at Freshers. Students are open to app-based banking, but switching primary accounts is slow; only 14% actively consider it, despite 72% already relying on a secondary saving app. So we created a fast, fun, gamified moment that mirrored the pace of student life and gave Revolut a standout role in the chaos of Freshers Week.

The Revolut Drop Zone turned the hype of loan drops and limited releases into a physical game. Students raced to catch falling batons for the chance to win exclusive merch, with sharper reflexes unlocking bigger rewards. It was simple, competitive and instantly shareable - a mechanic designed for crowds, queues and chaos.

Across Glasgow, Manchester, London and Leeds, the Drop Zone became a standout moment of each event. Roaming BAs pulled students in, explained Revolut’s student benefits and drove on-the-spot sign-ups before directing them into the game. A quick QR scan led straight into play, supported by sharp on-screen messaging that landed Revolut’s core value props in seconds.

Supporting the activity were roaming BAs that worked the floor across all venues, explaining the benefits of Revolut’s student account, encouraging on-the-spot sign-ups, and directing students to the Drop Zone. After scanning the QR code, students entered their number and played the game while watching an Elevator Pitch that highlighted Revolut’s core features for student life.

Students filmed friends inside the Drop Zone, creating organic UGC that extended the experience beyond the stand and helped Revolut earn credibility in a space where peer validation drives decision-making. The colour, energy and interactivity lifted the brand above competing stands, giving Revolut a clear, memorable presence throughout Freshers Week.