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Higher education social media teams are under pressure to do more than just post pretty pictures.
You’re telling the story of your university—while supporting recruitment, retention, and brand-building goals.
The challenge? Keeping content fresh, engaging, and in tune with what today’s students care about.
Here are 10 smart post ideas for 2025 to inspire your next content sprint.
1. Student takeovers—with a twist
Southwestern University runs student takeovers, where students like Physics major and tennis student-athlete Alexis Dimanche chat about the University and answer questions in short clips
Day-in-the-life content still rules, but audiences want more than general student stories.
Highlight international students, student-athletes, PhD candidates, or first-gen journeys.
Let them show off campus through their own lens to promote inclusion, build trust, and reflect the student experience in all its variety.
2. AI and tech innovation on campus
#AIAppreciationDay at University of Sussex lets this institution highlight
behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at their Centres of Excellence
Your university is likely using AI in some form—smart dorm systems, learning analytics, or student-led tech projects.
Content that shows students and faculty working with robotics, AR/VR, or generative tools like ChatGPT positions your institution as future-ready and tech-forward and attracts tech-curious applicants.
3. Mental wellness in the spotlight
University of Southampton frequently runs posts on wellness and mental health,
sometimes featuring their own students
Sharing behind-the-scenes moments from mental health awareness events, stress-relief tips during exams, or reminders about campus resources communicates that your university genuinely supports student wellbeing/
It’s a message that resonates throughout the year and a nice way to show compassion and support student success in a meaningful way.
4. Sustainability in action
University of Galway have their own sustainability channel on Instagram, where they post on a wide variety of topics, including their bike repair shop, media coverage, sustainability workshops, climate action initiatives, and more
Gen Z (and Gen Alpha) have strong environmental values. You can present your university brand as a socially responsible institution reinforcing your university’s commitment to the environment.
Show what going green looks like on your campus—solar panels, composting programs, zero-waste challenges, or student-led environmental projects.
5. Quick polls and interactive stories
University of Dundee polled their graduates about their satisfaction rate
of the University, with great success
Ask students to weigh in on favorite dining spots, campus hangouts, or study playlists through polls and quizzes.
These interactive moments invite your community to engage in a low-pressure, high-fun way, and they make your channels feel more conversational.
It’s fast, engaging, and reminds your community that their opinions count.
6. Alumni wins and unique student stories
University of Toronto was an early adopter of YouTube and showing
successful alumni who had moved on to creative careers after their studies
Building pride through socials in your school and alumni shows the real-world impact of your institution.
You can spotlight alumni and alumni working in cutting-edge fields or doing remarkable and unexpected things—launching startups, producing films, leading social movements.
And the more personal and authentic they get, the better.
These stories showcase the impact of your institution and inspire both prospective students and proud alumni.
7. Faculty features with personality
University of Colorado Boulder created an entire playlist of
playful videos featuring their faculty members
There are lots of ways to help foster connections between students and faculty.
Let your professors show a different side—whether it’s answering rapid-fire questions, sharing book recommendations, or even joining in a lighthearted TikTok trend.
These glimpses behind the academic curtain create stronger bonds between faculty and (prospective) students.
8. Behind-the-scenes of big campus events
Yukon University's students chatting about had a chance to build up excitement of what it's like to
study at Canada's only university North of 60 in a series of posts
How do you build FOMO and excitement, especially for prospective students watching from afar?
Show behind-the-scenes stories that reveal the people, planning, and emotion behind your major milestones from move-in day, orientation, convocation, or spirit week!
Share the preparation and emotion that make them special.
These are big moments that look great on video and offer a personal touch that makes your institution more relatable.
9. Cultural celebrations and inclusion moments
Victoria University Melbourne marked an occasion by catching up with students
celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights
Whether it’s Diwali, Lunar New Year, Juneteenth, or LGBTQIA+ pride events, highlight how your campus community comes together to celebrate.
You can post photos, student voices, and brief context about each celebration.
It demonstrates belonging and tells the story of your campus community and reflects the diversity of your student body to create a sense of belonging for all.
10. Safe participation in social trends
Central Michigan University used a social media trend of military surprise reunions
to capture the moments during their graduation ceremonies
Social media moves fast, but the best university content stays grounded in authenticity, relevance, and community.
Trendy doesn’t have to mean cringey.
You can lean into popular formats—like “expectation vs. reality,” or light-hearted memes—when they align with your brand.
Done right, these posts help your university feel current and connected to prospective students. while showing off the best of your institution.
What social media ideas are resonating most at your university this year? We’d love to hear what’s working (or what you’re experimenting with).