Sometimes, the biggest challenge when it comes to writing your blog or recording a short video is deciding exactly what to post about! There is so much to cover, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Hopefully, this post will give you some valuable advice as well as some Content inspo.
1️⃣ Make it Relatable
It wasn’t so long ago that you were a university applicant. Have a think about the following:
What questions did you initially have?
How did you feel at each point in your journey?
What were you worried about when you applied?
How did you overcome particular challenges or hurdles?
If you can cast your mind back and put yourself in the shoes of a prospective applicant, you’ll be able to create content that is really relatable and helpful. Reflect on your time as an applicant, deciding which university to attend and what to study, and give your personal story. This is what will make your content even more compelling.
Ideas for posts 💡
Here are some ideas which straddle neatly across written or video content. You could record a bitesize video in your Unibuddy Ambassador app, or write a blog post in your Ambassador Dashboard, covering any of these subjects.
How you decided which university to apply for and attend
Which questions are most helpful to ask at an open day
What was your experience after you applied and got an offer
The types of accommodation on offer or best locations to stay near the university
Why you chose your subject or area of study
Which clubs and/or societies you joined, and what they added to your university experience
How you budget for each term at university and any money-saving tips
If you have a part-time job, how do you balance this with your studies?
Productivity and study tips that have worked for you: such as the Pomodoro technique, meditation, breathing exercises, or a good old-fashioned burst of fresh air
2️⃣ Make it Unique
Think about the things that make you and your experiences unique or interesting. If you’re in a society, that’s a great place to start!
Perhaps you’ve always loved gaming, so joining the university Gaming Society was the next natural step. Or you found a new love for underwater hockey in your first term of uni. These are the stories that prospective applicants will want to read.
It might be something else that makes you different: What’s it like being a northerner in London, or a Londoner in the north? Did you take a gap year before university, or join as a mature student? Are you studying abroad?
Sharing the stories that are unique to you will make you stand out as an individual, and help prospective students relate to you and what you have to share. Many students will be in similar circumstances, and they will definitely want to see your content!
3️⃣ Share the things you care about!
When the holidays come around, and you finally get to catch up with your “home friends” what are you telling them about your university? If this is what has stood out to you, then this is what would also be interesting to others! You have some fantastic organic inspiration, right there.
Write about places, events, or aspects that you love about your campus or university town, such as:
Places to eat - street food, student deals, comfort food, or the best vegan pizza!
Independent, boutique, or vintage shops - or maybe there's a charity shop where you always come home with a great haul.
Social nights out - your SU, a pub with a log fire, or music venues with alternative gigs.
Best places to revise - whether that's a comfy corner in your local coffee shop, or a silent study area in the library.
Green spaces - parks, woodlands, hiking trails - maybe your university isn't far from the coast, or perhaps you have an outdoor gym in your area.
This really lets prospective students get a feel for the area and its surroundings by sharing the gems you have found. If you’ve got a great part-time job, you can write about that too!
If you're really stumped for ideas, why not try using one of these as a starting point:
Food & drink: weekly food shop, best coffee shops, deals and discounts.
Tours & diaries: campus tours, day-in-the-life, commuting to uni.
Tips & advice: how to budget, what to pack, shortlisting tips.
Lifestyle: staying healthy, stress management, clubs and societies.
Studying: library/facilities, study methods, exam preparation.
We hope this has given you some inspiration - remember, the content you create will influence and reassure the students of the future!