It’s not every day that students choose to be locked in a room on purpose, but at Northern Michigan University, that’s exactly what’s drawing the crowds. For one afternoon, stress was traded for suspense as teams huddled together, racing to solve puzzles, crack codes and outsmart the ticking clock. It’s not an exam, but the pressure might just feel like one.
The Special Events Committee (SEC) recently hosted an escape room experience designed to challenge students’ problem-solving skills and teamwork in a fun, fast-paced setting. Taking place on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1–7 p.m., the event transformed sections of Jamrich into a maze of clues, locks and riddles. Groups of two to six participants had 30 minutes to escape their assigned room, proving that collaboration and quick thinking are the keys to freedom.
The goal was simple: get out before time runs out. But the experience promised more than a win-or-lose moment. Each room offered a mix of mental challenges and lighthearted fun that encouraged communication and creativity among participants. The event’s planners wanted something interactive that could get students moving, thinking and laughing together. It was a break from the usual weekend routine and a reminder that not all problem solving needs to happen in a classroom.
“I reached out to some companies, and this one company called Lock & Key, they have these mobile tents that they bring places,” said special events coordinator Brooklynn Kluz. “They were the closest to us, and I reached out to them and asked if they would be willing to come over.”
The event also included a themed photo booth for all 50 teams to capture their post-escape glory or defeat, with props and decorations that kept the atmosphere upbeat, whether a team escaped with minutes to spare or found themselves stumped by the final lock.
The SEC’s recent lineup of activities shows a growing effort to offer students more experiential events with things that are fun, social and out of the ordinary. From trivia nights to themed dances, NMU’s calendar has been filling up with events designed to help students unwind while staying connected to campus life.
Events like this highlight the SEC’s mission to create inclusive, campus-wide activities that bring students together outside of academics. Their goal is to build community through creativity, and the escape room challenge fit that mission perfectly. It gave students a reason to unplug from technology, engage face-to-face and test their teamwork in a different way. For many, it’s also a low-stakes way to meet new people and make memories in a relaxed setting.
