How to get the most out of social media as a student

Whether you love it or hate it, social media is how we connect with each other, share life experiences, keep tabs on our friends and voice our opinions.

Managing social media as a student is a tricky juggling act. It’s easy to get distracted and fall down the social rabbit hole, emerging hours later with that urgent assignment still waiting to be finished.

It can be soo tough to keep away from it, so follow this social media guide for students to use it to your advantage.

What are the top social media benefits for students?

We all know the negatives of social media: procrastinating, oversharing and security concerns, to name just a few.

But what about the pros? With the right approach, social media can be a powerful tool to:

• Build your personal and professional network
• Connect with like-minded folks all over the globe
• Get insp for hobbies, travel and life experiences
• Find job opportunities
• Learn how to communicate with different audiences
• Stay on top of the latest news and trends

How to curate your online presence

Obvious as it may seem, your social media profiles influence how other people see you. If you’re using social media for studying or to grow your professional network, it’s a good idea to put your best foot forward. Try these student social media strategies for polishing your online presence:

• Do a vanity search: Google yourself to see what’s publicly available. Update or remove any irrelevant or outdated posts or information about you
• Review your photos: update your profile photos if needed and make sure your privacy settings are appropriate for all other images
• Find your ‘voice’: think about how you communicate on social media and the effect this has on how people perceive you. It’s ok to be conversational but keep your tone respectful
• Check your old posts: review your past posts to make sure you’re comfortable with everything you’ve shared

Join social media study groups

Social media study groups are a great way to connect with peers and level up your learning. No matter which uni you’re going to, there will be loads of online groups for everything from halls and societies to your course and subjects. Take a look at what relevant groups exist and hit the ‘Join’ button!

It’s also worth checking out other student-oriented social media groups related to your hobbies and interests. Think about what you’re into, whether it’s rock climbing, tabletop gaming, knitting or anything else! Explore your options and see if you can join some virtual groups to grow your network and make the most of social media for student life.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, contribute to discussions and share your insights in social media groups. It’s all about collaboration and sharing knowledge. Plus, you’ll find people you click with, and that can lead to some awesome friendships IRL.

5 quick social media tips for students

1. Check your privacy settings: it’s a good idea to regularly review your privacy settings across every platform you’re on. Make sure you understand who can see your posts and personal information.

2. Choose your platforms wisely: remember you don’t just have to be on the most well-known apps. There are loads of other great social media platforms built just for students – UNiDAYS being one of them!

3. Set limits: keep tabs on your social media time to stop it from becoming a distraction. One of the most common social media productivity tips is to choose certain times of day, or blocks of time, when it’s ok to scroll and post. Turn off notifications outside of those times so you’re not tempted to jump back on.

4. Be kind: keep in mind that everyone has different experiences and worldviews, and that’s ok. While you might not agree with every opinion you come across, aim to treat everyone with kindness and empathy.

5. Balance your online and offline life: social media has its place for sure, but don’t forget about real life! Switch off the screens and hang out with friends, grab a bite to eat or enjoy a lazy afternoon in the park.

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