The Digital Hub provides support to students and colleagues on how to use all the digital tools we have available to us at the University of Exeter. Accessed online or on campus, our team of Student Ambassadors support the University community with using digital tools.
The Digital Hub Student Ambassadors recently completed a takeover of the student-run Instagram account @exeterunilife, sharing life at University in Penryn and Exeter, reaching over 6,600 accounts in five days! Read this blog post to find out more about their takeover.
Digital Hub Instagram takeover
The Digital Hub team takeover aimed to showcase the diverse experiences of university life through the perspective of our Digital Hub Student Ambassadors. Over the course of the week, three Ambassadors contributed to a range of exciting content on Instagram sharing their personal journeys with balancing academics, part-time roles, and life on campus. They also focused on showcasing the Digital Hub service across all campuses, showing to students how they can get support with using Digital tools at Exeter.
Renee’s Instagram takeover
The Instagram takeover included a memorable visit to the beautiful Penryn Campus in Cornwall. Welcomed by enthusiastic Student Ambassadors, we were inspired by their passion for the University and the stunning campus setting, nestled between rolling hills and the sea.
We highlighted hidden gems around Exeter and Cornwall, including Exeter Cathedral and the coastal charm of Falmouth and St Ives. Whether you’re into nature, the arts, or great food, the area offers endless opportunities to explore and enjoy.
Taking over the University’s Instagram page was a whirlwind of planning, creating, and engaging with the student community. One of the biggest challenges was balancing our personal voices with the University’s brand identity. This experience taught us to create content with intention, focusing on how it could inspire and engage others.
Through this process I gained a new appreciation for effective storytelling and audience engagement. It’s not just about sharing what’s interesting to us but about curating content that resonates with a wide audience. This valuable skill is something I’ll take forward, whether in professional roles or in connecting meaningfully with others.
Jackson’s takeover
I’m a third-year student and Digital Hub Ambassador at the University of Exeter. My role involves engaging with students, resolving digital challenges, and improving the overall student experience.
Although I’m no stranger to content creation, having grown a TikTok following of 50k, taking over a high-profile university account was a unique challenge. Working with the Digital team, I brainstormed content ideas that balanced showcasing my personal student experience with promoting the Hub’s initiatives. I created reels highlighting student life in Cornwall and posts about useful digital tools, receiving positive engagement from both students and my existing TikTok audience.
This creative project was a refreshing shift from my usual engineering studies, allowing me to experiment with branding and audience engagement. I learned the importance of tailoring content to meet clear objectives and balancing my personal voice with the professional identity of the University.
The takeover was not only enjoyable but also an invaluable learning experience. It enhanced my skills in storytelling, branding, and creative problem-solving, which I’ll carry forward in my career. Seeing the positive response from students made the effort all the more rewarding.
Andi’s takeover
I’m a third-year Conservation Biology student and Digital Hub Ambassador at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus. My role allows me to engage with students, assist with digital challenges, and enhance their overall university experience.
When I was given the chance to take over the @exeterunilife Instagram account, I saw it as an exciting opportunity to share my journey and connect with a wider audience. As an international student, I know how overwhelming university life can feel, especially during the first year. By sharing my story of balancing academics, work, and personal life, I hoped to inspire other international students facing similar challenges.
During the takeover, I created a reel showcasing a day in my life on campus and a post introducing the Digital Hub. Despite initial nerves, this experience taught me how to craft visually appealing and meaningful content for a diverse audience. I learned to prioritise key messages, ensuring they were clear and impactful.
This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, boosting my confidence and equipping me with valuable communication and content creation skills. It was a memorable week that allowed me to grow personally and professionally, leaving me even more passionate about enhancing the student experience through my role at the Digital Hub.
Read our previous blog to find out more about the work of our User Experience Researchers.
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