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This spring, Not Your Mother’s partnered with Home From College to roll out a multi-campus college ambassador program designed to meet Gen Z exactly where they are-on campus, in their clubs, and on their FYP. The goal? Boost brand awareness and drive product trial through peer-driven sampling, strategic event integration, and content creation that felt as real as a Sunday reset. Through a thoughtfully executed Gen Z marketing strategy, Not Your Mother’s tapped into its target audience using a high-impact combination of campus ambassadors, social-first UGC, and product sampling moments students actually wanted to be part of. <h3>📦 The Strategy: Scalable Sampling, Authentic Storytelling</h3>Home From College assembled a team of 25 student brand ambassadors across five core campuses- UGA, UCLA, UT Austin, Ohio State, and University of Miami. These students became the faces of Not Your Mother’s on campus, executing the haircare brand’s spring sampling strategy with a focus on approachability, cultural relevance, and real-time engagement. Each ambassador was tasked with:<ul><li>Creating campus-specific product sampling moments</li></ul><ul><li>Partnering with clubs and organizations to drive visibility</li></ul><ul><li>Posting organic UGC across TikTok and Instagram</li></ul><ul><li>Distributing monthly styling samples to students </li></ul>All activations spotlighted a single Not Your Mother’s hero product at a time, helping deepen product understanding and driving intentional trial among Gen Z students. <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@addienicole14/video/7425697882231082271" alt="" title="NYM Student UGC" type="tiktok"></reactembed> <h3>🎉 Highlight Moments: When Haircare Met Real Life </h3>🪩 UGA Chi Omega: Girls’ Night Out Ambassadors hosted a get-ready pre-formal glam session with Chi Omega, seeding Curl Talk and Beach Babe collections as students styled together. The result? A flurry of GRWM content and word-of-mouth buzz in a tight-knit sorority circle. 👠 UT Austin x Hook’d Magazine: Fashion Show Pop-Up NYM teamed up with student-run fashion mag Hook’d for a backstage haircare lounge at their Spring Runway Show. Every model, designer, and attendee received product-and over 200 students interacted with the brand in one night. 🧘🏽 Ohio State: Workout Destress Day Timed around Reading Day, NYM sponsored back-to-back fitness classes with product sampling integrated before and after. Students walked out refreshed, sweaty, and stocked with dry shampoo. <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/115/1747856131136.png" alt="NYM Student Sampling" title="NYM Student Sampling"></figure> <h3>🔑 Why It Worked: A Gen Z Sampling Strategy That Feels Native</h3>This campaign worked because Not Your Mother’s didn’t feel like a traditional brand push. It felt like a trusted friend handing you a product in your dorm, your club meeting, your group chat. By combining:<ul><li>An ambassador program rooted in cultural fluency</li></ul><ul><li>A social content strategy driven by UGC</li></ul><ul><li>A product sampling cadence that met students in real life </li></ul>… Not Your Mother’s built not just awareness, but affinity!<h3> </h3><figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/115/1747856052264.png" alt="NYM Student Sampling" title="NYM Student Sampling"></figure><h3> 📊 The Results: From Brand Familiar to Campus Favorite</h3>✓ 8,500+ products sampled across 5 campuses ✓ 530+ pieces of organic UGC created by students ✓ 7,400+ direct student interactions ✓ 125+ targeted sampling events &amp; partnerships ✓ 3 signature “Events-in-a-Box” scaled nationally Survey data showed strong lifts across key KPIs:+12% increase in brand awareness +11% increase in product trial +10% increase in purchase intent <h3>🚀 The Verdict: NYM Earned Shelf Space and Social Clout</h3>The Spring 2025 Not Your Mother’s college ambassador program cemented the brand’s place in Gen Z’s haircare routines. Students didn’t just try the products-they started talking about them, recommending them, and asking for more. 📢 Want to launch a brand ambassador program that gets Gen Z talking? Let’s build it!

Learn how Not Your Mother’s partnered with Home From College to activate a Gen Z-focused haircare ambassador program across five top universities-driving trial, content, and 8.5K+ samples

NYM College Ambassador Program

Not Your Mothers Case Study

How Not Your Mother’s Built Gen Z Brand Love Through a College Ambassador Program

<h3>How Home From College Helped Bring the Brand to Life for Students Nationwide </h3>Fabletics set out to make a statement on college campuses this fall - aligning their activewear and scrubs with students’ busy, active lifestyles while driving awareness, trial, and engagement. To make it happen, they partnered with Home From College to build a powerhouse team of creators and ambassadors, ensuring Fabletics became a brand students not only recognized but also sought after. Through a two-tiered approach, Home From College assembled Content Creators to generate social buzz and Campus Connectors to bring Fabletics directly to students through IRL events and product gifting.<h3>Creating Campus Buzz with Content Creators</h3>A handpicked team of 12 creators brought the Fabletics brand to life through engaging content across TikTok and Instagram. These creators spanned 10 universities, from UCLA to Miami, infusing their unique styles into 144 total assets. <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@paulinareitman/video/7420172352891276574?_r=1&amp;_t=8qCJtu39GmY" alt="" title="Paulina Reitman x Fabletics" type="tiktok"></reactembed> By allowing creators to blend Fabletics seamlessly into their daily routines, the campaign achieved 5.8M impressions, 750K+ total views, and a 14.7% average engagement rate, outperforming industry benchmarks.<h3> Bringing Fabletics to Life on Campus</h3>Beyond social media, 30 Campus Connectors acted as the boots-on-the-ground marketing team for Fabletics, engaging students with exclusive product seeding, partnerships with 47 student organizations, and multiple campus activations that left students buzzing.<h4></h4><figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/temp-files/blog/93/1741115091237.png" alt="Fabletics x HFC" title="Fabletics x HFC"></figure><h3> Event Highlights include:</h3>🔥 Fabletics Run Club (ASU) – A scenic run at Tempe Town Lake led by our ASU Connectors, bringing students together through fitness and Fabletics. 🧘 Fabletics Yoga Class (UCLA) – A branded yoga session where students received Fabletics gear, including yoga mats, to enhance their experience. 💃 Hip-Hop Dance Class (Oregon) – A high-energy activation where students moved freely in Fabletics gear. 🎉 USC vs. UCLA VIP Tailgate – A major brand moment featuring 900+ pieces of Fabletics merch, interactive experiences, and 6,000+ students reached.<h3> The Results: A Standout Semester for Fabletics</h3>Fabletics didn't just make an appearance on campus - it became a must-have brand for students.📈 +22% increase in purchase intent 👀 750K+ social impressions 💬 1.1K+ students driven to Fabletics via unique links 🏆 High-demand product seeding with waitlists at multiple events From content that resonated organically to IRL moments that drove real conversions, the Fabletics x Home From College partnership was a game-changer in reaching Gen Z in a way that felt authentic, community-driven, and exciting.

How Home From College brought Fabletics to life for students nationwide

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How Fabletics Activated Gen Z Creators with a 2024 College Program

When Built By Girls, a Yahoo-owned organization that seeks to empower the next generation of female and non-binary leaders, builders, and creators to pursue careers in technology, launched their TikTok, they knew they wanted to bring on some college faces to the brand that could speak authentically to their target audience. The Built By Girls brand is focused on being a big sister persona to female and non-binary high school and college students, where they can get advice and tips on pursuing a career in the STEM field. Using Home From College, they recruited a content committee of eight college students of diverse educational backgrounds to create user-generated content for their Instagram and TikTok channels.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5WUva5rhOL/&nbsp;" alt="" title="UGC content created for BBG's Instagram" type="instagram"></reactembed> Every month, each student would pitch content ideas for the Built By Girls socials, such as sharing tips on preparing for interviews, behind-the-scenes college internships and clubs, and even highlighting famous female figures in the STEM space during times like Women’s History Month. Each student could share their personal experiences, from advice for navigating college as a neurodivergent person to stories of backpacking through Japan while learning about horticulture.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5TsxKooETd/&nbsp;" alt="" title="Behind the scenes of a college newsroom with BBG" type="instagram"></reactembed> By working with Home From College to recruit students to be the face of the page, Built By Girls was able to speak authentically to its audience because the creators on the page were of the same demographics. These students understand what their fellow Gen Zers are looking for in content and what advice and stories they wish they had known in their earlier years. The content committee continues bringing new faces, personalities, and perspectives to the Built By Girls socials, providing followers with entertaining and educational content.

How Built By Girls recruited a content committee of Gen Zers to bring a Gen Z voice to their social media pages

How Built By Girls Engaged Gen Z Voices Through a Content Committee


Last fall, MONDAY Haircare set out to make a lasting impression on college students across the U.S. and Canada—expanding brand awareness, driving product trial, and growing a community of loyal users. To execute this large-scale initiative, MONDAY partnered with Home From College, launching an ambassador and content creator program designed to bring the brand to life both online and on campus.Through a strategic mix of digital and in-person activations, the program successfully placed MONDAY Haircare in the hands of thousands of students, creating an authentic connection with the next generation of beauty consumers.<h3> Building MONDAY’s Campus Presence</h3>To maximize reach and engagement, Home From College recruited 55 highly engaged students across universities in the U.S. and Canada, splitting them into two key roles:🧴 Content Creators: Produced 184 pieces of organic content optimized for paid and owned brand channels, showcasing MONDAY products in haircare routines, styling hacks, and get-ready-with-me videos. 📢 Brand Ambassadors: Drove awareness and trial through on-campus sampling, UGC, and partnerships with 42 student organizations to further embed MONDAY in key student communities.🚀 Key Results: ✅ 7,400+ MONDAY Haircare products sampled ✅ 300+ pieces of content generated ✅ 42 campus club partnerships<h3> Driving Digital Impact with Creators</h3>With a mix of macro, micro, and nano creators, the campaign drove strong engagement across TikTok and Instagram, with content that felt authentic and seamlessly integrated into students’ daily routines.<h4>Content Highlights Include:</h4>💗 2.9M total impressions 📊 246K+ video views 🔥 5% average engagement rate <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@evelynbonaldo_/video/7404605060740566278?_d=secCgYIASAHKAESPgo8ctSR6rEP2dclEmnhj3ASj5bT4vdBabyvmRRbWXfh8mnZNtYZFyyH8SnOjoAcRrciXj5IrTtUbGIekKWuGgA%3D&amp;_r=1&amp;share_app_id=1233&amp;share_item_id=7404605060740566278&amp;timestamp=1724018974&amp;u_code=d2hbb3ebh316eh&amp;utm_campaign=client_share&amp;utm_source=short_fallback" alt="" title="MONDAY Haircare x Evelyn Bonaldo" type="tiktok"></reactembed> <h3>Bringing MONDAY PR to Life On Campus</h3>From sorority houses to student clubs, MONDAY ambassadors put the brand directly in the hands of students, creating real-life touchpoints that sparked conversation and built brand love.🏫 Campus Highlights:<ul><li>Greek Life Partnerships: Ambassadors partnered with Sigma Delta Tau, Kappa Delta, and Chi Omega to distribute exclusive MONDAY PR boxes.</li><li>Key Campus Moments: Sampling events were timed around date parties and self-care nights to align with student needs.</li><li>Student Reactions: “The pink merch was EVERYTHING—everyone wanted it, and it made the products even more exciting to try!”, “I can’t get over how cute and functional the MONDAY haircare products are and I'm so happy to share an affordable ethical brand with my peers! Also pink EVERYTHING!!””</li></ul>💖 42 club &amp; organization collaborations 🎁 1,152 PR boxes gifted 💬 1.2K+ student interactions leading to brand trial <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@emileemarten/video/7434776000812125482?is_from_webapp=1&amp;web_id=7363109042333926943" alt="" title="Emilee Marten x MONDAY Haircare" type="tiktok"></reactembed><h3>The Results: A Semester of MONDAY Magic</h3>The MONDAY Haircare x Home From College partnership exceeded expectations, turning students into brand advocates and making the brand a campus staple.📈 +22% increase in purchase intent 🎥 MONDAY-branded UGC across 16 campuses 📣 Social buzz reaching millions of students across North America

MONDAY Haircare teamed up with Home From College to reach students across North America through a campus creator program, driving awareness, trial, and real connection with Gen Z consumers.

MONDAY Haircare Campus Takeover

How MONDAY Haircare Engaged Gen Z Students Across the U.S. & Canada

This winter, Avatara Skincare set out to own the college skincare conversation with a full-funnel approach to awareness, trial, and content creation. From Lip Jellies to Glow Zones, Avatara partnered with Home From College to put products in students’ hands and content on their feeds, right when skincare matters most—midterms, self-care nights, and Sunday resets.With a campus presence built on sampling street teams, club-led activations, and a roster of diverse creators, the program built real connections, unlocked UGC, and drove new product trial with a Gen Z demo that’s beauty-obsessed but budget-aware. <h3>The Strategy: Meet Students Where They Are (IRL &amp; Online)</h3>H\FC deployed a three-pronged approach to engage students across 17 campuses:👯‍♀️ Ambassadors &amp; Club Leads – Students acted as on-the-ground brand reps, hosting events, distributing samples, and driving local buzz through clubs like Delta Phi, Her Campus, and Aggie Gems.📦 Sampling Street Teams – 5 campuses had 1 rep each spreading product via bathroom takeovers, dorm drop-offs, and chapter shoutouts—creating visibility during high-traffic moments.📱 Content Creators – 10 creators, including micro and macro influencers, posted evergreen beauty content, optimized for owned and paid use, aligned with moments like finals week resets and skincare routines abroad. <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@_lavidaa/video/7468013592424615211?is_from_webapp=1" alt="" title="Hamdah x Avatara Skincare" type="tiktok"></reactembed> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@_lavidaa/video/7468013592424615211?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc"> </a><h3>Results That Speak Volumes</h3>&nbsp;✅ 2,500+ products sampled ✅ 25 micro activations + 4 large-scale club events ✅ 60 creator content pieces generated ✅ 475 organic UGC posts from ambassadors and event attendees ✅ 3.4M impressions across platforms ✅ 5.4% average engagement rate🎯 Highlight: At the "Lips &amp; Lattes" event with Her Campus Alabama, students lined up for fruit-themed drinks and a chance to try the latest Lip Jelly—showcasing how an intentional brand moment can drive both trial and TikTok-worthy content. <h3>Moments That Mattered</h3>💬 Event Concepts That Sparked Joy From spa-themed study nights to "Glow &amp; Scrap" vision board parties, ambassadors pitched events that delivered memorable product moments and organic brand storytelling.🌈 Flexible Creator Briefs Paid Off Avatara’s creators delivered strong content performance by pairing creative freedom with trend alignment—think GRWMs, skincare shelfies, and self-care resets.💄 Product Variety = Higher Engagement Students were excited to sample multiple flavors and formats of the Lip Jellies, which created more opportunities to share, post, and spark conversation.📸 Everyday Visibility Built Buzz Placing Lip Jellies in high-traffic locations like sorority house bathrooms, dorm lounges, and club meetings made the brand feel ever-present and part of students’ daily routines. <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/101/1745001728868.png" alt="Avatara x H\FC Winter 2024 Program" title="Avatara x H\FC Winter 2024 Program"></figure><h3> The Verdict: A Winter to Remember</h3>The Avatara x H\FC Winter '25 program turned curiosity into conversion and made Lip Jellies a college campus staple. From creative events and content to strategic product seeding, Avatara showed up—and stood out—in all the right ways.📢 Want to make your brand a Gen Z favorite? Let’s glow. 🚀

How Avatara Partnered with Home From College to lead skincare talk on campus

Avatara x H\FC

avatara x h\fc

How Avatara Skincare Reached Gen Z with a 2024 College Program

<reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrBjgTcsLUo/?img_index=1" alt="" title="Steve Madden Content" type="instagram"></reactembed>As a longtime brand on Home From College, Steve Madden had launched numerous content committees, allowing students to share how they incorporate these iconic shoes into their everyday looks. From the Lasso boots for festival season to the Everlie sneakers for heading back to school, Steve Madden gave students the creative freedom to showcase the product through images and videos in the most authentic way to their accounts.&nbsp;<reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@jess._.lam/video/7222377404298267946" alt="" title="Steve Madden Student Content" type="tiktok"></reactembed>With the rise of Rushtok over the past few years, Steve Madden wanted to showcase why their shoes are the perfect fit for any college occasion. So, they launched their Back-To-School tour in the Fall of 2023, bringing a Steve Madden-branded bus to five campuses across the South: the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, UT Austin, Florida State University, and Tulane.&nbsp;To help get the word out at each of these schools before Steve Madden arrived on campus, they enlisted the help of Home From College to launch their campus ambassador program. We recruited 5-7 ambassadors at each of these schools who had experience in content creation and were heavily involved in clubs and Greek life. Students took on a wide range of responsibilities to help make the tour a success, including:&nbsp;<ul><li>Creating pre-tour content for their social channels showing how they style the Everlie shoes</li><li>Putting up posters across campus promoting the tour</li><li>Advising the Steve Madden team on the best places to park on campus and potential local businesses to partner with&nbsp;</li><li>Supporting the tour on campus by helping to manage lines and creating content on the bus</li></ul><reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@isab3llacano/video/7270177548384881963" alt="" title="Steve Madden Tour Content" type="tiktok"></reactembed>With their ambassador program, Steve Madden built excitement around their tour before it even began and saw huge lines outside the truck at every school. Students loved the opportunity to represent a major fashion brand on their campus and play a part in a hugely successful Back-To-School campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;

How Steve Madden launched their first campus ambassador program to build hype around their Fall 2023 College Tour


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How Steve Madden Activated Gen Z Creators on a Campus Tour


Buzzfeed, the beloved entertainment and media company, has been a staple for Gen Z, known for its entertaining YouTube content and engaging quizzes. Now, Buzzfeed has ventured into the movie business, producing films like One True Love with Simu Liu and Phillipa Soo and Puppy Love with Grant Gustin and Lucy Hale. As their movie business expanded, Buzzfeed saw a unique opportunity to involve their core audience, Gen Z, in a unique way. They partnered with Home From College to launch content committee gigs for their latest releases, EXmas and Latency, offering Gen Z a chance to be part of the excitement.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@leaaaamoreno/video/7381144166824267054?_r=1&amp;_t=8nFl4qoZbdS&nbsp;" alt="" title="Video 1 " type="tiktok"></reactembed> As the holiday season approached and students were returning home for winter break in December of 2023, Buzzfeed strategically launched their campaign for EXmas. The film was set to release on Amazon Freevee, and Buzzfeed aimed to get Gen Zers excited about watching this hallmark-style rom-com with their friends and family over the holiday break. They recruited 30+ students from Home From College to create content showing their reactions to a movie preview clip, effectively building anticipation for the film.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@dhillon.diary/video/7304908720960441631" alt="" title="Video 2" type="tiktok"></reactembed> When Latency-starring Alexis Ren, a Gen Z icon from her days on YouTube, came out in June of 2024, it premiered in select theaters in major cities across the US. Home From College recruited eight experienced content creators in key markets like New York, LA, Dallas, and Tampa to create content around seeing the film in theaters to increase awareness about the opportunity to see this BuzzFeed film in theaters. Students tied Latency into their regular content by reacting to the movie trailer, doing Get Ready With Me videos for the movie theater, and vlog-style content of them watching the film in theaters. Ultimately, this campaign generated 12k+ views and helped drive traffic to theaters.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@elianamarie444/video/7381968583158533419?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id=7321935888908305963&nbsp;" alt="" title="Video 3" type="tiktok"></reactembed> By working with Home From College, Buzzfeed was able to create excitement with Gen Z about two of its newest films by allowing content creators to do what they do best: create honest and authentic content around the films.

How Buzzfeed leveraged content creators on Home From College to generate excitement on their new films in theater and streaming 


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How BuzzFeed Sourced Gen Z Creators Through a Paid Campus Program


Neutrogena launched its Boost Bus tour across Texas to celebrate back-to-school season, helping students ensure their skin was first in class. This fast-moving campaign visited four of Texas's biggest and most diverse schools: UT Austin, Texas A&amp;M, UT Dallas, and Texas Christian University. To build hype and increase participation at each stop, Neutrogena wanted to get the word out about the tour across each campus. So they partnered with us here at Home From College to post a Street Team gig.&nbsp;Utilizing our long-standing connections with students, clubs, and Greek life at each campus, we assembled a diverse Street Team. Comprising 10-15 students per school, the team was connected to a wide range of campus groups, from freshman to grad school and from Greek life to multicultural clubs, ensuring the campaign's reach was inclusive and comprehensive.&nbsp;<reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@lauren.morris1/video/7408997779491671338" alt="" title="UGC Video" type="tiktok"></reactembed> Students played a pivotal role in the Boost Bus campaign, taking on a wide range of promotional tactics prior to the bus's arrival on their campus. This included reaching out to 5+ clubs they were involved in to share the tour details, putting up 25+ flyers across campus, and creating user-generated content on their socials to build excitement for the bus. Their early and grassroots outreach efforts significantly contributed to the growing student hype for the bus.&nbsp;<reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@thesydneyhuebner/video/7409061847283928351" alt="" title="UGC Video" type="tiktok"></reactembed>To increase awareness on the day of the Boost Bus, we arranged exclusive sneak peeks for influential groups on each campus where their members could visit early and create content around the tour. These groups ranged from Texas Sweethearts at UT Austin to the Aggie Gems at Texas A&amp;M and Alpha Kappa Delta Phi at UT Dallas.&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/82/1730341450281.jpeg" alt="Shift " title="Shift "></figure>As a result of Neutrogena and Home From College's partnership, we were able to generate strong excitement within the student population at each school by creating a diverse Street Team that could reach a wide range of communities across each campus, reaching students where they were online and in-person. Neutrogena built a strong wave of brand loyalists in the Street Team who continue to say great things about the brand.&nbsp;

How Neutrogena built excitement for their boost bus tour on Texas college campuses with Home From College 


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How Neutrogena Reached Gen Z with a Student Street Team Strategy


To kick off this school year, Steve Madden activated a pop-up on five campuses across the country, including The University of Texas at Austin, Tulane University, University of Alabama, Florida State University, and Georgia University. To advertise their new ‘Everlie’ shoe for back-to-school, Steve Madden partnered with Home From College to find fashion-forward, community-driven students to spread the word across campus and get students energized and involved at this bus tour! Not only was this a smashing success for Steve Madden, but students LOVED being involved in the marketing mix and being able to represent such a well-loved brand on campus. Let’s hear for some of our students on why they loved the SM campus tour: Emily Berg, Freshman at Florida State University“My experience with the SM Campus Tour was truly remarkable. What I loved the most was the opportunity to connect with other students who shared an interest in the SM brand. It wasn't just a promotional event; it felt like a community gathering. We got to explore the Everlie collection, ask questions, and learn about its features firsthand. This interactive aspect made the experience much more engaging than a traditional marketing campaign. It also formed partnerships with local businesses, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.”Alexis Waterworth, Sophomore at The University of Alabama“I loved all the people I got to meet from the corporate office, and everyone was so kind and energetic about the event. It was also really fun to work an event that was on my campus &amp; hand out goodies to people I go to school with.I think this was a unique way to sell and promote shoes, and I know a lot of students on campus were talking about it. I also had friends from other universities who didn’t have Steve Madden visit them tell me how jealous they were of the opportunity I got. It definitely helped to bring Steve Madden back to our generation and I love that!”Ava Richards, Sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin“I loved the SM Campus Tour because it gave me access to a great student ambassadorship, allowing me to represent the well-known brand. It was a fantastic opportunity to create original content representing both Steve Madden and UT Austin for back-to-school. Chatting with UT students and meeting new faces at the bus was a fantastic experience. Working with my fellow ambassadors made it even more enjoyable!I thought the campus pop-up for Steve Madden was a brilliant and engaging idea. It added a more organic touch to promote their new shoe, the Everlie, and I appreciated their experiential marketing approach. It not only got people talking but also helped build connections, whether over free goodies or the latest fashion trends. It was a fun and smart way to connect with the brand to college campuses.”<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/14/1695504609054.png" alt="sm" title="untitled-design-(7)"><figcaption>SM Everlie Shoe</figcaption></figure>

See what our students had so say about #SteveOnCampus!

How Steve Madden Engaged Gen Z with a Multi-Campus Tour

March is one of the most exciting times on college campuses as students prepare to cheer on their teams during March Madness. This year, NIVEA wanted to build on this excitement to drive mass awareness of their NIVEA Soft line through a large-scale sampling program at two essential schools: the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the University of South Carolina. Both schools were big hot spots during this year's March Madness tournament as UNCC was a for the first and second rounds of the Men's tournament, and UofSC went on to win the Women's tournament. NIVEA wanted their sampling program to feel authentic and to truly embed themselves within the unique campus culture of each school, with UNCC being a more urban, commuter campus and UofSC being a hub for Greek life activity. To achieve this, NIVEA partnered with Home From College to manage and recruit college students to be involved in every aspect of the sampling program. We launched four gigs to recruit over one hundred students at these schools, recognizing their crucial role in reaching every part of these campus communities and getting the word out about NIVEA Soft.&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/77/1719288746243.jpg" alt="NIVEA on Campus" title="NIVEA on Campus"></figure><h3>📋 The Ops Coordinators&nbsp;</h3>A team of Ops Coordinators was recruited at the two schools to effectively manage the logistics of distributing over one hundred thousand samples to college students. These students played a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the sampling program, ensuring products reached the right students and groups on campus. They also acted as strategic advisors to the NIVEA team, providing valuable on-the-ground insights on what clubs resonated most with NIVEA Soft and how students perceived the product.&nbsp;<h3>🤝 The Club Partnerships&nbsp;</h3>At state schools like UNCC and UofSC, where there are tens of thousands of students, clubs are often the cornerstone of a student's college experience. They provide students with a community of peers who share similar interests and allow them to build lifelong friendships while pursuing activities they enjoy. To capitalize on this, we worked with our Ops Coordinators as we designated Club Partnership Managers who were heavily involved on campus to identify clubs to sample with and the best moments to partner with these clubs. NIVEA's club partnerships ranged from handing out samples during the Dance Marathon at UofSC to presenting at weekly meetings for the Charlotte Film Community at UNCC. We stocked bathrooms at sorority and fraternity houses at UofSC and lockers for teams like the UNCC Women's Soccer Game.&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/77/1719288774738.jpg" alt="Clubs with NIVEA" title="Clubs with NIVEA"></figure>As word spread about NIVEA partnering with clubs to provide samples, our team received tons of inbound requests from groups looking to share NIVEA Soft with their members. Ultimately, we partnered with 86 clubs to distribute over 70,000 samples.&nbsp;&nbsp;🎬 The Content Creators&nbsp;College influencers are becoming an increasingly important part of college culture, providing students with recommendations on the most popular spots to study and go out on campus. They develop strong connections with their followers, often fellow students on campus, and trust their opinions. Working with our Ops Coordinators, we identified each school's top five content creators. We partnered with them to create two pieces of content highlighting how they incorporate NIVEA into their everyday routine and to build excitement around an exciting event at each school. These creators reflected the diversity of each school, coming from different backgrounds and majors ranging from Greek life to athletics. They helped build digital awareness and excitement about NIVEA being on campus for their collective audience of over 300,00 people.<reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@niylanicoleee/video/7347792870587288874?_d=ddek4dijlamc13&amp;_r=1&amp;enable_checksum=1&amp;preview_pb=0&amp;sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAAEvgajfPuZrtaQOnwTeVX_0NhK2N0u7nTYl-KAO-twTyr7eraJEIt4ZTHMcS5wIsI&amp;share_app_id=1233&amp;share_item_id=7347792870587288874&amp;share_link_id=71C28C0B-AE5E-430E-A35E-CCA14A6A8AD9&amp;sharer_language=en&amp;social_share_type=0&amp;source=h5_m&amp;timestamp=1710791538&amp;tt_from=copy&amp;u_code=d0hl793gd3293h&amp;ug_btm=b8727%2Cb2878&amp;user_id=6569553753329188865&amp;utm_campaign=client_share&amp;utm_medium=ios&amp;utm_source=copy" alt="" title="Content Example" type="tiktok"></reactembed><h3>🎡 The Events ☕️</h3><figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/77/1719288685279.jpg" alt="NIVEA Carnival" title="NIVEA Carnival"></figure>To make a large-scale impact at each school, we helped coordinate a NIVEA-branded event that authentically reflected each campus's culture.&nbsp;At UNCC, we utilized the street team to help staff the NIVEA Carnival right on the quad at the heart of campus. During breaks between classes, students came out to play carnival games and learn all about NIVEA Soft. The Street Team went out across campus to spread the word about the event and helped hand out over 5,000 samples during the day. Students loved the chance to destress with fun games during the busy school day and even got to take their glambot photos.<reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4v3vAoPQNh/" alt="" title="The NIVEA Soft Carnival" type="instagram"></reactembed><figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/77/1719288704451.jpg" alt="UofSC AWA Event" title="UofSC AWA Event"></figure>At UofSC, we worked with a local coffee shop, As Well As, which is very popular with students, to organize a NIVEA pop-up. During the pop-up, students received a free NIVEA branded beverage like the NIVEA Soft Cloud Smoothie while learning all about NIVEA Soft from the knowledgeable street team. News of the pop-up spread throughout campus, bringing over 250 students to the cafe (double the average foot traffic). They were excited to start using NIVEA Soft and enjoyed how the brand easily integrated itself onto campus with an activation that fit into their daily routine.&nbsp;<reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@claudiasamss/video/7353264986489113887" alt="" title="Claudia Sams UofSC Promo" type="tiktok"></reactembed> <h3>🚏 The Street Teams&nbsp;</h3>To help achieve sampling at scale, we recruited a Street Team, members of each campus community ranging in age from freshman to graduate students, to help reach everyone on campus. From gifting students samples in their apartments and dorms to talking about NIVEA Soft during class and at iconic spots on campus, the Street Team ensured students' skin was kept moist with NIVEA Soft. In the end, the Street Team was able to hand out over 50,000 samples.&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/77/1718483215651.jpg" alt="NIVEA Sampling" title="NIVEA Sampling"></figure> Through its partnership with Home From College, NIVEA distributed 136,000 samples to students at UNCC and UofSC, building its reputation as a trusted brand for college students by showing up where they already are. From the classroom to the dorm, from club meetings to social media pages, NIVEA effectively integrated itself into every part of college life and made NIVEA Soft a staple in students' everyday routines.<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/77/1718483241389.jpg" alt="Students with NIVEA" title="Students with NIVEA"></figure>

Providing Over 136k Samples to Students at UNCC & UofSC 


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How NIVEA Activated Gen Z During March Madness on Campus


Throughout the second half of 2023, Aquaphor teamed up with Home From College to foster genuine connections within college communities across the nation! Through a stunningly successful Content Creators GIG, Aquaphor aimed to resonate authentically with individuals who share a profound affinity for their brand. This collaboration wasn’t just about skincare, it was about uniting with users who genuinely adore Aquaphor, and the experiences and stories that make college life extraordinary for Aquaphor users.&nbsp; We’re thrilled to work with incredible students from across the country through this GIG who are talented storytellers and creators, as well as excelling in their college careers… with the help of Aquaphor in their lives 😉 Their stories showcase the profound impact of Aquaphor's engagement strategy, showcasing the beauty of authentic connections and shared passions within the vibrant college landscape. We asked 4 of our creators to share their experience working with Aquaphor and how they embraced their love for Aquaphor in the most creative and authentic ways - here’s what they have to say! 🌟 Jill Rafferty, The University of Arizona&nbsp;@jillraffertyy on TikTok“I have been a customer and fan of Aquaphor for years, so I was thrilled to hear that they wanted to take a chance on me as a content creator. I love to promote brands that I truly could not live without and find the creation process so much easier when it’s a company I love like Aquaphor.&nbsp;I have had an amazing time working with Aquaphor, they have made the whole process so seamless. It has been so much fun to be a part of this campaign. I learned how to better plan my content out in advance and brainstorm specific content buckets. I loved being able to interact with the other creators, and I was inspired by their videos which helped me make mine even better.” 🌟 Lucy Ganser, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign@lucyganser on IG“I wanted to join the Aquaphor GIG not only because of how iconic the brand is, but also because of how long I have been using products from Aquaphor. From a very young age my mom would always give me Aquaphor to help hydrate my hands and lips during cold weather, living in the Midwest this is the majority of the year. I really wanted an opportunity to work with a company that I have genuinely been using my entire life and I am so grateful to have been picked to help represent Aquaphor on my campus! My experience working with Aquaphor has been great! They are responsive when giving edits or approving content and have been helpful during our calls discussing new content briefs. My absolute favorite part of this GIG is the connections it gives me, both online and in-person! Aquaphor reposted some of my content on their Instagram stories, a big "made it” moment for me that allowed my content to be seen by thousands of people that don’t follow me! This GIG also sparks conversations between myself and others in-person, with people commenting on how much they also love Aquaphor or asking how I got this job. I feel so grateful to have had this opportunity thanks to Aquaphor and H/FC; I can’t wait to keep applying to GIGs and working with brands through Home From College!” 🌟 Catherine Esrey, Duke University@theoneandonlycatherine on TikTok“I am a big believer in being genuine about what you promote and I genuinely love Aquaphor and I use it in my daily life so the partnership was a no brainer. My experience working with Aquaphor has been so much fun and thanks to H/FC, I was able to stay on top of my deadlines and communicate easily to the brand.&nbsp; This five month collaboration went by so fast and thanks to the amazing people on the Aquaphor team and the H/FC team, I never felt overwhelmed and was able to stay on top of my deadlines and content. I learned a lot about brand partnerships and how to create engaging, informative and genuine promotional content for my audience.”🌟 Niaa Lawrence, Howard University@neeyuhh___ on IG"I wanted to join the Aquaphor GIG because before becoming a college brand ambassador, I was already a customer of Aquaphor. Also, this was my first brand partnership with H\FC and it just so happened to be with Aquaphor (which was amazing)! This opportunity gave me the familiarity lifestyle of what it means to be a content creator and a college student.My experience with the gig was great! I loved the communication between everyone involved and the support from other creators was something I’ve never experienced before. Two things I learned from the GIG is communication and online organization. The team was super professional, supportive and gave wonderful feedback every single time. It felt like we were a true family and I loved that. I’ve also never worked with a brand that used online platforms to stay organized—which was a new experience for me! I added more tech savvy tools to my list of expertise now!"<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/38/1707484547339.png" alt="students" title="blog-images"></figure>

Aquaphor's takeover across the country 🌎

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How Aquaphor Scaled Gen Z Content with Student Creator Campaigns

From low-calorie sodas to kombucha and yerba mate, Gen Z loves fun beverages that are both refreshing and healthy. A reliable staple in this market is coconut water, which has electrolytes and antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits. Zico Coconut has been a longtime leader in this space, known for its sleek packaging and partnerships with popular brands like 818 at Coachella. As Zico has continued to grow and expand into new stores like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, they wanted to increase their social media presence and create content that would resonate with the younger generation. So, they partnered with Home From College to launch a content committee focused on the key markets of New York City, Miami, and LA.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@joellenicolee/video/7363817958126243115?_t=8lyMeu1fCH8&amp;_r=1&nbsp;" alt="" title="Zico 1" type="tiktok"></reactembed> Over the course of three months, five content creators created three main types of content for their socials and Zico's that allowed Zico's online presence to be dynamic and entertaining. The three main content buckets were:&nbsp; 🌴 Lifestyle Content: Creators showed how it seamlessly fits into their everyday routine. From smoothie and fun drink recipes to the perfect pick-me-up after a run or long work day, Zico showed how easy it is to fit their refreshing coconut water into Gen Zers everyday life.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@sophieperez_/video/7363791595021454638?_t=8lyIBoRPYHS&amp;_r=1&nbsp;" alt="" title="Zico 3" type="tiktok"></reactembed> 🛒 Shopping Content: To drive awareness of where shoppers can find Zico in stores, the content committee created content showing themselves going into major retailers like Whole Foods, Publix, and Trader Joe's to grab Zico.&nbsp; 🎶 Trending Content: The content committee didn't just create content, they kept Zico in the loop with the latest social media trends. By identifying and incorporating popular trends, they ensured Zico stayed relevant and engaging in the fast-paced world of social media.&nbsp;&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@roxannefong/video/7378248972881628459" alt="" title="Zico 5" type="tiktok"></reactembed> Through their H\FC Content Committee, Zico had a vast bank of content to use on their TikTok and Instagram accounts that showcased the versatility of Zico for Gen Zers.&nbsp;

How Zico launched a content committee to show why their coconut water is everyone's newest favorite hydrating drink 


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How ZICO Reintroduced Its Brand to Gen Z with Campus Sampling

Enroot, a non-alcoholic beverage company co-founded by Brad Pitt, Cristina Patwa, and John Fogelman, has distinguished itself in the CPG sector through its innovative product offerings. Their early foray into the market with organic cold brew wellness teas, which were farm-to-bottle, low in calories, and featured popular ingredients like Yerba Mate, set them apart. Recognizing the emerging trend of Gen Z’s interest in non-alcoholic options, Enroot took a unique approach to reach this demographic and enhance brand awareness.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@angelinaserenaxo/video/7301360769118244142?is_from_webapp=1&amp;web_id=7295788454159828523&nbsp;" alt="" title="Enroot Content" type="tiktok"></reactembed> So Enroot partnered with us here at Home From College to launch their first-ever content committee. They recruited a group of 20 content creators ranging from current college students to recent graduates. The committee seamlessly integrated Enroot into their content, producing engaging videos such as day-in-the-life vlogs and mocktail recipe videos. The students appreciated the creative freedom they were given and noticed a higher level of audience engagement, as the content felt authentic and relatable. <reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@gia.angelina/video/7301193270858911018" alt="" title="Enroot Content 2 " type="tiktok"></reactembed>As Enroot continues to grow in the cold brew tea space, the company’s leadership team also identified the growing popularity of non-alcoholic versions of popular drinks like wine and beer. Enroot wanted to understand the reasons behind this trend with Gen Z and what it would take to create a non-alcoholic wine that would be enjoyable for this age demographic. To get these insights, we worked with Enroot to also craft a series of focus groups where students who are regular wine drinkers sampled the product and provided feedback on the taste, packaging, and use of the product in their daily lives. Many students shared their preference for non-alcoholic alternatives when going out, providing crucial feedback on packaging design, influencer partnerships, and insights on how they discover new products. This collaborative approach has allowed Enroot to refine its strategy, ensuring its product resonates with the fastest-growing demographic. “Sometimes after a long day I like sitting down with a drink to unwind. However, I don't want to drink wine during the week when I know I have to get up early the next day. This was such a pleasant experience because I got to drink what tasted like a nice glass of wine knowing I wouldn't have a headache the next day.” - Focus group participant response&nbsp; Through their partnership with Home From College, Enroot has been able to reach new audiences of Gen Zers and co-create a new product line that resonates with Gen Z because it was built with their insights.

Working with Gen Zers to understand and reach new audiences through content creation and focus groups


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How Enroot Introduced Wellness Teas to Gen Z Through Sampling

When Sun Bum, one of Gen Z’s favorite sunscreen brands, launched their first ever skincare line, the daily line, they knew they wanted to get the word out on college campuses. The college demographic is growing increasingly aware of the importance of sun protection not just in the summer but all year round, and this, along with Gen Z’s love for all things skincare, made college the perfect place to launch the new line. Sun Bum recognized the unique opportunity for college students to be part of this exciting journey. They launched their Event Activators gig on Home From College to recruit 15 college students at Penn State, ASU, and Texas A&amp;M who would help plan Sun Bum’s first-ever events on college campuses.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5l-v2tShDi/?img_index=1" alt="" title="Sun Bum post about the activations" type="instagram"></reactembed>To begin the planning process, the Sun Bum and Home From College teams sat down with the students to understand the key moments, people, and spaces on campus that Sun Bum could best incorporate into campus life. Some of the things we uncovered were:&nbsp;<ul><li>At Penn State, Valley, and social media are how most people hear about events</li><li>Sun Devils Fitness Centre Field is the most popular spot at ASU as students love intramurals</li><li>Greek life is a massive part of student life at Texas A&amp;M</li></ul> Building off these insights, we had students ideate and pitch concepts for these event activations to help ensure Sun Bum would show up in ways that college students would want to engage with. The Sun Bum and Home From College team worked closely with the students to manage logistics, including booking spaces, ordering equipment, and sending samples to hand out. Students helped spread the word about the events through social media, texting in club group chats, and putting up posters around campus.&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/76/1718481463333.jpg" alt="Event Activations" title="Event Activations"></figure> At ASU, the inflatable Sunny, the mascot of Sun Bum, showed up at Sun Devils Field, where we hosted yoga classes with a local instructor and kept the vibes rolling all day as students stopped by for photos, merch, and to play cornhole.&nbsp; At Penn State, students were nearing the end of the semester, so we set up a chill space near the Fiji House on Greek Row for them to hang out and learn more about the Good Days Daily line, complete with inflatable Sunny and chocolate-covered bananas. At Texas A&amp;M, we partnered with Delta Gamma to sponsor their annual Anchor Splash event, which brings together hundreds of students to watch synchronized swimming routines and raise money for Hope Child.&nbsp; <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/76/1718481484904.jpg" alt="Event Activations" title="Event Activations"></figure>Throughout these events, we caught students as they were heading to and from class, introduced them to the new Good Days Daily Line, and heard how they incorporate sunscreen into their daily routines. Students were so excited to see Sun Bum show up on campus in such a fun and unique way that easily fit into the busy college routine, allowing them to stop by, enjoy the vibes, and learn about the new daily line.&nbsp;&nbsp;To help ensure that students could continue to find and use the Daily Line, the Event Activators created content showing how to find the product in CVS.&nbsp; In the end, Sun Bum engaged with over a thousand students across these campuses and excited them about how easy it is to wear sunscreen daily.&nbsp;

Promoting a new product launch with college students


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How Sun Bum Drove Gen Z Awareness with Campus Sampling + UGC


When Hero Cosmetics, a Gen Z favorite brand known for their acne-fighting mighty patches, launched in Canada, they knew they wanted to work with local creators who could speak authentically to their audiences about the product. So, they launched their Canadian content committee through Home From College, where they recruited fifteen college and post-grad creators in key Canadian markets like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal to create video content on the Hero Mighty Patches. These creators were already producing content on their pages related to beauty and skincare, allowing Hero Cosmetics to naturally integrate into their content and be positioned as a recommended product from a trusted source within these niche markets.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2IhIURAHxn/?igsh=MW13YTU1YzgwNGltbg%3D%3D&nbsp;" alt="" title="Hero Cosmetics Content" type="instagram"></reactembed> Over the course of three months, Hero Cosmetics shared monthly content briefs with students. These briefs were designed to highlight the effectiveness of the mighty patches in combatting pimples, showcase their availability at Shoppers Drug Marts, and incorporate them into day-in-the-life content. This approach aimed to demonstrate how the product is a perfect fit for the busy, on-the-go lifestyle of Gen Zers.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C199uqVgHjp/?igsh=MTZjYW5qcXUxeTk5OQ%3D%3D&nbsp;" alt="" title="Student content created in the Hero Cosmetics gig " type="instagram"></reactembed> Ultimately, Hero Cosmetics generated strong engagement with 10,000+ views on its 45 pieces of creator content. It was able to reach niche audiences within Canada and position Mighty Patches as a trusted product for fighting acne. By working with micro Canadian creators through the Home From College platform, Hero Cosmetics authentically launched itself into the Canadian market and built strong brand awareness within the college and new grad demographics.&nbsp; <reactembed src=" https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2JUbxirY5P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D" alt="" title="Student Content for Hero Cosmetics" type="instagram"></reactembed>

How Hero Cosmetics established a content committee to grow brand awareness in Canada

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How Hero Cosmetics Drove Gen Z Sampling with Student Creators

MaryRuth’s Organics, a popular health and wellness brand, burst onto the TikTok scene in early 2023 as people swarmed online to order their liquid multivitamin teeming with essential nutrients. To tap into this online fervor and engage with the Gen Zers, a key demographic on TikTok, MaryRuth’s team set their sights on gathering a trove of user-generated content they could use across their social platforms and paid media.&nbsp; In the summer of 2023, the MaryRuth’s team launched their first gig with Home From College, recruiting over 100 college and new grad students to create a green-screen reaction to one of the viral videos about MaryRuth’s as they tried out the product for the first time.&nbsp; <reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6q_IQSuV4J/?igsh=MWl4anQ5emVyOWdncw%3D%3D" alt="" title="MaryRuth's video" type="instagram"></reactembed> MaryRuth’s user-generated content had a significant impact. By putting paid media behind these videos, they provided thousands of TikTok users with an authentic and organic reaction to their product, amplifying the reach and impact of their brand.&nbsp; Since then, MaryRuth’s has continued working with Home From College, producing content at scale for many of their popular products. Their efforts have paid off, as they have built a loyal following of Gen Z vitamin enthusiasts. Many students are not just using the products, but also sharing the positive health results they’ve seen, a testament to the brand's success. <reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ZJqfRPX1B/" alt="" title="MaryRuth's Content" type="instagram"></reactembed> As MaryRuth’s continues to grow and scale, they have obtained over 500 pieces of user-generated content from over 250 creators on the Home From College platform.

How MaryRuth's Organics leveraged Home From College to scale their content creation program. 

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How MaryRuth’s Reached Gen Z Through Wellness Sampling + UGC

Poppi has been on a mission to prove that #sodaisback with their line of prebiotic sodas that have quickly become a Gen Z favorite. For the 2023 Back to School Season, Poppi wanted to bring that energy to colleges by authentically integrating themselves into campus life. They launched their Soda Ambassador Team on Home From College, which brought in over 1,800 applications from students excited to share their ideas for how Poppi could come to life on their campus.&nbsp;Poppi then selected their first ten members from there to join the Soda Ambassador Team. This motivated group of students came from a wide range of colleges, from big state schools like UT Austin to smaller liberal arts schools like the College of Charleston. They identified the unique moments at each of their colleges related to Back to School and got to work incorporating Poppi into students' daily lives.<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/66/1713634559411.png" alt="Students With Poppi" title="Students With Poppi"></figure>“People LOVED it! Everyone was comparing flavors and passing them around throughout the house and at our tailgates.” - USC Poppi Ambassador.&nbsp;<reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwgK0Qfy7nG/?hl=en" alt="" title="UGC Content Created With Poppi" type="instagram"></reactembed>In the end, Poppi’s ambassadors handed out cans to over 15 clubs and 10 sororities with a collective reach of over 3,000 students. They showed that by working directly with students, brands can best understand the significant groups and moments on campus and how they can show up in an authentic way and get students excited to continue to consume their products.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/66/1716613245790.jpg" alt="Compilation" title="Poppi"></figure><figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/66/1716613229407.jpg" alt="Poppi" title="Poppi Compilation"></figure>

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How Poppi Boosted Gen Z Awareness with Campus Sampling + UGC

As Chamberlain Coffee prepared to launch new flavors of their popular Ready To Drink lattes to meet consumer demands, they recognized the pivotal role of college campuses in building anticipation for the new product. To leverage this, Chamberlain Coffee partnered with Home From College to establish its first college sampling program, enlisting over 30 ambassadors nationwide. These ambassadors were entrusted with 7,200 cans to share with their college communities and build excitement around this new product.&nbsp; Over 1,200 students from across the country applied to join the Chamberlain Coffee campus team, sharing why they loved the brand and pitching sampling strategies they would use to distribute hundreds of cans. Of all the applicants, 30 students were selected to participate in this competitive ambassador program. They came from diverse schools and backgrounds, ranging from Greek life members of large state schools like UT Austin and the University of Michigan to freshmen at smaller liberal arts colleges like Hampton University.&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/71/1716612888621.jpg" alt="Chamberlai Compilation" title="Chamberlain"></figure> From December 2023 to February 2024, ambassadors handed out thousands of cans to students during relevant moments, such as in the library while studying for finals, during club end-of-semester wrap-up meetings, and on the quad on sunny days. Ambassadors were given two shipments of products so students on campus could sample them multiple times, helping to build buy-in and increase their motivation to purchase the cans at their local Walmart.&nbsp; As sampling moments occurred throughout the winter, many students and clubs created organic user-generated content, showcasing where to get the product and highlighting how much the students loved the new ready-to-drink lattes.&nbsp; Ultimately, Chamberlain distributed 7,200 cans on 22 college campuses across 12 states and partnered with more than 50 clubs and Greek life organizations. Chamberlain showed their most loyal customers, Gen Zers, that they understood their need for a convenient and aesthetic source of caffeine during stressful college moments and were trusted partners of college communities.<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/71/1716612913194.jpg" alt="Chamberlain Compilation" title="Chamberlain"></figure>

How Chamberlain Coffee got 7,200 cans of their new Ready To Drink Oat Lattes in the hands of thousands of students across 22 campuses


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How Chamberlain Coffee Won Gen Z with Campus Sampling + UGC


For students, gamedays are a classic part of the college experience, particularly at Big 10 schools, where their stadiums can hold more than 100,000 people. When Peacock acquired the rights to stream Big Ten sports, including basketball and football, back in August of 2022, they knew that they wanted to find authentic ways to connect with college students on these campuses so that they could bring them into the Peacock family and continue watching the sports that are such a massive part of their campus community.&nbsp; In January of 2023, Peacock embarked on a journey to understand the habits of college students at Big 10 schools when it comes to game days. Through extensive interviews, focus groups and ethnographic studies, we delved into the unique routines and traditions at each Big 10 campus around football. We listened to students' experiences interacting with previous activations from brands on college game days and heard their honest feedback on what about these activations stuck with them and made them excited to check them out. We gained a deep understanding of how students get ready for game days at home and how they consume away games, ensuring that Peacock’s offerings align with their preferences.&nbsp; Through this qualitative study, along with a more extensive quantitative study of college students across the United States on their perception of bundle deals and student offers, Peacock developed their Big 10 Yards Activation for the 2023-2024 college football season. Throughout the fall, Peacock would launch large-scale activations on major Big 10 school campuses like Ohio State, Purdue, and the University of Iowa to integrate themselves into the excitement of game day and let students know that they can easily stream their team’s games when they’re playing on the road with the Peacock student bundle.&nbsp;<figure><video src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/72/1716612336069.mp4" alt="" title="peacock-images-(1)" controls="true" controlslist="nodownload"></video></figure>Using Home From College, Peacock carefully selected and recruited two ambassadors on each Big 10 campus. These ambassadors, as the face of Peacock, were entrusted with the important task of driving traffic to the Big 10 yard activations and promoting the student discount to clubs and high-traffic areas on campus. Their role was crucial in hosting watch parties with their friends and sharing flyers with students in Greek Life houses and off-campus apartments, ensuring that their peers were getting the best deal to watch their college teams.&nbsp; As the football season wrapped up, Peacock ambassadors continued highlighting the applicability of the Peacock student discount by featuring relevant movies available on the platform, such as Five Nights at Freddy, and promoting the streaming of Big 10 basketball games. Throughout the continued ambassador promotion during the fall semester, students at Big 10 schools grew very familiar with the Peacock streaming platform. They saw the immense value it brought them in watching the shows and sports they loved.&nbsp;&nbsp; <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/72/1715323868225.jpg" alt="Peacock Story Promo" title="jenna-brual---bubble-tea-before-peacock-movie-night-(1)"></figure>Overall, Peacock developed a strong ambassador program that supported its brand activations and grew awareness and sign-ups for the Peacock student discount. They did so, by listening to students and understanding their habits and routines when it comes to watching college sports so that they could authentically integrate themselves into college campuses.&nbsp;

How Peacock took  research insights to build their Big 10 campus activation

peacock

How Peacock Tapped Gen Z with a Big Ten Campus Competition

<h2>How Moon Oral Care Activated Gen Z Creators for a Viral Product Launch </h2>In early 2025, Moon Oral Care teamed up with Home From College to launch a cross-channel, Gen Z-focused campaign around its new product collaboration with Sprinkles Cupcakes. With a goal to drive brand awareness, first impressions, and social buzz, the campaign brought together student creators and IRL brand ambassadors to support a signature launch event in Beverly Hills. By combining college influencer marketing with TikTok-first content, Moon tapped into the feeds of Gen Z across the country. <h3>🎯 Campaign Objectives</h3>To build buzz around the Moon x Sprinkles product drop and increase brand visibility across the Gen Z demo by leveraging:<ul><li>Social-first content created by Gen Z influencers </li></ul><h3> Campaign Strategy: How Moon Reached Gen Z Across Platforms &amp; Campuses</h3>Home From College implemented a two-part campaign structure to maximize both reach and content quality: 👩‍💻 Content Creator Team:A curated group of 15 diverse student influencers from 13 universities were selected to post TikToks and Instagram Reels highlighting their first impressions of Moon’s new product. This content was optimized for both paid use and organic reach across Moon’s brand channels.<reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@rebekahisabel_/video/7485884856056941870" alt="" title="Moon Oral Care x @rebekahisabel_" type="tiktok"></reactembed> 📍 Beverly Hills Launch AmbassadorsFor Moon’s Sprinkles event in Beverly Hills, 5 LA-based college ambassadors were brought in to capture UGC and bring energy to the launch. They:<ul><li>Interacted with guests</li></ul><ul><li>Created event-day content</li></ul><ul><li>Elevated the IRL experience into social storytelling moments </li></ul><reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@sophiieperez/video/7483557681526050090" alt="" title="Moon Oral Care x @sophiieperez" type="tiktok"></reactembed><h3> The Results: Big Reach, Real Reviews, and Sweet UGC</h3>The Moon Oral Care campaign delivered on both awareness and authenticity, with content that felt Gen Z-first—not just product-first. 📈 Campaign Highlights:✅ 28 creator assets generated✅ 700,000+ impressions across TikTok and Instagram✅ 164,000 video views✅ 2.6% average engagement rate✅ 3.9K likes and nearly 300 organic comments <h3>What Made This Work for Gen Z Audiences </h3>✨ Authentic Influencer Partnerships All creators were chosen not just for reach, but for alignment with Moon’s brand energy—wellness-focused, optimistic, and culturally in-the-know. 📸 Content Optimized for Paid + Organic Every piece of content was structured to live beyond the creator’s page, allowing Moon to repurpose assets for future paid campaigns and evergreen use. 📍 IRL Presence By showing up at the LA launch event, Moon created memorable brand moments that translated into social proof, building long-term brand equity with Gen Z. <h3>Final Takeaway: Content + IRL = Gen Z Connection That Stuck </h3>With a smart blend of content creation and on-site ambassadors, the Moon x Sprinkles campaign showed how brands can win with Gen Z by meeting them where they live — online and in real life. By tapping student creators for authentic storytelling and bringing energy to a high-visibility event, Home From College helped Moon Oral Care create a launch moment that was not only seen but truly experienced. 💬&nbsp; Want to launch your next Gen Z campaign with a student-first strategy? Let’s chat!

How Moon Oral Care successfully launched a cross-channel, Gen Z-focused campaign around its new product launch with Sprinkles Cupcakes

Moon Oral Care x H\FC

How Moon Oral Care Activated Gen Z Creators for a Viral Product Launch

In early August 2023, Home From College, in conjunction with Brydge Club, hosted a Female Founder &amp; Investor Panel as an opportunity to network with other women in startups and venture capital around Los Angeles.Between the 5 panelists’ experiences building and investing in businesses, these women shared their knowledge in navigating venture funding as a start-up founder, and demanding respect and opportunity to thrive in male driven rooms.This room of ambitious women turning visions to reality in fields dominated by men, spoke to empower each other through sharing industry knowledge not often taught or talked about. At the end of this event, over 70 women left more motivated than ever to put each other in spaces of support and faith in their capabilities. With Home From College’s brand ethos centered around uplifting students for wild success and being their champion against the hard-to-navigate workforce, we strive to do the same for all communities surrounding us as well.&nbsp; We’d like to give a major thank you to Fenwick &amp; West for sponsoring this event, making it possible to gather dozens of leaders and innovators together! Panel speakers included:Julia Haber, Co-Founder/CEO of Home From CollegeTrica Biggio, Co-Founder/CEO of Invisible UniverseJulie Wroblewski, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Magnify VenturesMadeline Darcy, Founder/Managing Partner of Kaya VenturesSarah Chambless, Partner at Fenwick &amp; WestModerated by @Ruffin Mitchener, Creator of Brydge Club Check out our video recap from that night!<reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvuuVAiuztF/" alt="" title="Event Recap" type="instagram"></reactembed>

Special thanks to our event sponsor Fenwick & West!

female-founder-event

Female Founder & Investor Panel Recap

Studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular for college students looking to experience new cultures, make new friends, and grow. The benefits of studying abroad are endless, from seeing new places and trying new foods to learning new languages and gaining a new perspective on life from people from other countries. At the same time, it can be a stressful experience for many students, whether it be finding housing, picking classes, figuring out your cell phone plan, or just immersing yourself in a foreign culture where you might not speak the language. In partnership with Visible by Verizon, who is making it easier than ever to stay connected while studying abroad, we spoke with two college students to get their tips on having the best study abroad experience possible.&nbsp; <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/83/1730843775029.jpg" alt="Danielle Gootman" title="Danielle Gootman"></figure><h3>Danielle Gootman, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the University of Tampa&nbsp;</h3>Study Abroad Location: Florence University of The Arts, Florence, Italy&nbsp;What were the three highlights of your time studying abroad?&nbsp;<ol><li>One of the highlights of my journey abroad was definitely the food and culture in Florence. I loved dining at Trattoria Za Za, Shake Cafe, and Osteria Pastella. The coffee scene in Florence is incredible, too—my favorites are Ditta Artigianale, La Menagerie, and Rivarno Cafe. The Gucci Garden Museum, Uffizi Galleries, and Pitti Palace/Boboli Gardens are beautiful.</li><li>Florence, during the holiday season, is something special! The lights and festive markets filled with souvenirs and delicious food make it a memorable experience.</li><li>Exploring a new city every weekend was one of the highlights of my time abroad. I particularly enjoyed visiting London, Paris, and the Amalfi Coast, as each destination offered its own unique charm and culture, making my experience truly unforgettable. Florence is ideally located, with a train system that makes it easy to travel throughout Europe, and the airport is just about 15 minutes outside the city. </li></ol>What are three things you wish you knew prior to studying abroad?&nbsp;<ol><li>Embrace Spontaneity: One of the best parts of studying abroad is being open to new opportunities and destinations, so stay flexible and consider visiting countries you might not have originally planned for. Don't forget to explore the charming small towns surrounding your main city; some of my favorite day trips from Florence include Venice, Cinque Terre, and Pisa.</li><li>Pack Light: When packing, only bring the essentials. The shopping in Europe is incredible, and you'll want space to bring back gifts for family and friends. Focus on versatile basics that can be mixed and matched for different outfits.</li><li>Bring Universal Adapters: A universal adapter is a must-have for charging your devices while traveling, so do your research ahead of time to ensure you're prepared to keep your gadgets powered up. Additionally, don't forget to check the adapters for your hair tools and other plug-in devices. </li></ol>What advice would you have to someone nervous about studying abroad&nbsp;My biggest piece of advice when going abroad is to embrace an open mind. Being receptive to new experiences allowed me to try delicious foods, explore unfamiliar places, and connect with amazing people. This mindset truly enriched my time abroad in ways I never expected! <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/83/1730843798224.jpg" alt="Isabelle Roberts" title="Isabelle Roberts"></figure><h3>Isabelle Roberts, Writing and Performance Across Media Major at Northeastern University</h3>Study Abroad Location: DIS Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark What were the three highlights of your time studying abroad?&nbsp;&nbsp;<ol><li>Visiting 18 countries for the first time! (It was also my first time in Europe!)</li><li>Getting cinnamon rolls on Wednesdays at the oldest bakery in Copenhagen.</li><li>Living out of a backpack and a suitcase and solo traveling for a month after the semester.</li></ol>What are two things you wish you knew prior to studying abroad?&nbsp;<ol><li>Not everyone studies abroad with their entire friend group.</li><li>You really don’t need to pack that much stuff.</li></ol>What advice would you give to someone nervous about studying abroad?&nbsp;I think if you’re nervous to go abroad, that’s even more the reason to do it. It’s a cliché that studying abroad “changes your life,” but in a lot of ways, it really can. Navigating moments of losing luggage, getting lost, and feeling alone has made me 10x more self-assured. Try to accept that a few speed bumps are inevitable and may be a lot less scary than you initially thought.

What you need to know before you embark on your study abroad adventure 


study-abroad-tips

Study Abroad Tips with Visible by Verizon


Earlier this summer, Urban Decay launched their Nano-Creator, Beauty Making and Impact GIG with Home From College to bring their Changemaker Program to social media. In collaboration with Cybersmile, they created this program to stand up for those who have been affected by online bullying and built this campaign to help make a meaningful impact through activism and empowerment.The Cybersmile Foundation, committed to tackling all forms of cyberbullying and digital abuse, has provided Urban Decay’s education modules that cover topics such as Allyship on Social Media, Becoming an Upstander, Dealing with Online Bullying, and many more. Our students in the Home From College network were excited to join the conversation and use their content creation skills and deep understanding of Gen-Z within social media to bring positive change to their peers and beyond. Their passion for anti-cyberbullying advocacy showed strongly in their applications and content produced for this campaign, so we asked some of our students to share why the Changemaker Program is important to them - here’s what they said:Angelina Hamid, @angelinaserenaxo“I joined the Urban Decay Changemaker GIG because I wanted to be a part of a campaign that spoke up about the dark side of online bullying and ways to prevent cyberbullying. As a content creator, mean comments have the ability to affect you, but it's great to learn how to persevere through them and what steps to take to help those dealing with it as well. I learned how I could be an ally and help those receiving hateful comments online.”Angelina is a nursing student at The University of Miami and has been in the H\FC community for almost 1 year now!Sophia Scharffenorth, @sophiasch1“I joined Urban Decay's campaign about cyberbullying because it deeply resonates with me. As someone who experienced bullying in my childhood due to my tooth gap, I understand the emotional toll it takes. Even as a content creator, I continue to face cyberbullying online, making this program very important for me.Through completing the Changemaker Program courses on cyberbullying, I've gained valuable insights on how to recognize and address cyberbullying effectively, fostering a safer and more inclusive online environment. Being part of this campaign has empowered me to stand up against bullying and advocate for positive change in the digital space because I know that together, we can create a world with more kindness.”Sophia studies graphic design at Lynn University and has participated in many GIGs in the last year as a content creator!Danielle Gootman, @healthywithdani“I joined the Urban Decay GIG because the Changemaker Program is an amazing opportunity to educate others and make a difference. This program taught me how to empower others on social media and be an ally, and aligns with my personal values of acceptance and positivity. I am so happy to be a part of creating a safer space on social media!”Danielle is a marketing major at The University of Tampa, and has grown immensely with Home From College, participating in many GIGs to work with amazing companies and create meaningful connections!<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/7/1695502674626.png" alt="Students" title="Students"></figure>

why-gen-z-cares-about-anti-cyberbullying

Why Gen-Z cares about anti-cyberbullying 

What’s it like to work at one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic beverage brands in the country—founded by a pop icon and led by a purpose-driven CEO? In <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKQIWfOzMKQ/">this</a> episode of Home From College Office Tours, we take you inside De Soi, the mindful apéritif brand co-founded by Katy Perry and master distiller Morgan McLachlan. Based in Los Angeles and helmed by CEO <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scout-brisson-558674121/">Scout Brisson</a>, De Soi is reimagining what social drinking looks like—with none of the alcohol and all of the experience. From product swaps in the snack drawer to a team that runs on connection (and Smash Bites), De Soi’s office vibe is equal parts intentional and inspiring. Let’s take a look inside!<h3>What is De Soi?</h3>Inspired by the French phrase "maîtrise de soi" (self-control), De Soi creates non-alcoholic apéritifs infused with adaptogens to help you feel as good as your drink tastes. Every product is designed to bring balance to moments of celebration—no hangover required.Some of their standout flavors include: 🍊 Spritz Italiano – Their take on the Aperol Spritz, currently the #1 cocktail in the U.S. 🌶 Haute Margarita – A spicy Marg remix developed through deep consumer testing.Each new flavor takes 6–9 months to perfect—from formulation to packaging—thanks to co-founder Morgan McLachlan’s alchemical approach to ingredient sourcing and taste.With eyes set on bar menus, hotel lobbies, and more retail shelves, De Soi is building a movement—not just a product.<h3>Inside the Office: Where Product, People &amp; Pleasure Meet</h3>De Soi’s HQ might be nestled in a WeWork in LA, but the energy is uniquely theirs: cozy, creative, and deeply collaborative.🏢 WeWork in LA – A warm, shared space where every desk matters. 🪞 Selfie Mirror – Perfect for quick TikToks and BTS content. 🍿 Startup Snack Exchange – De Soi trades products with other brands (except the Goldfish—those are sacred). 👯 Open Seating – No cubicles, no silos. The whole team works side-by-side for max flow and feedback.<reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKQIWfOzMKQ/" alt="" title="H\FC Office Tour: De Sois" type="instagram"></reactembed><h3>Meet Scout Brisson: The Visionary CEO Behind De Soi</h3>Scout Brisson joined De Soi in late 2021—just in time to launch the brand in January 2022. A New Jersey native and MIT alum, she originally planned to go into medicine. But after burning out, she pivoted to consulting at McKinsey, launched her own better-for-you snack company during COVID, and found her stride in CPG leadership.Her philosophy? Always be learning. Always be growing. 📚 Leadership Habits – She credits books like Unleashed and coaching for leveling up her management skills. 👩‍💼 Women in Consumer – Scout even launched a book club for female founders. 🤖 AI Curious – She always asks candidates how they’re using AI in daily workflows.Her biggest advice? 💬 “Trust your gut. Especially as a woman in leadership, you usually know what the right answer is.” <reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKcgXPiv4Uq/" alt="" title="Scout Brisson Tip Tuesday" type="instagram"></reactembed><h3>Why This Office Tour Hits Different</h3>This isn’t just a behind-the-scenes of a buzzy brand. It’s a look at what modern entrepreneurship—with intention—really looks like. De Soi is building something bigger than beverages. They're building culture, community, and category-defining products. For students and early-career talent looking to: ✅ Be part of a mission-led team ✅ Learn from inclusive, curious leaders ✅ Work on products that challenge the status quo 👉 De Soi is proof you can scale with soul. 🎥 Watch the full Office Tour with Scout Brisson now on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/homefromcollege/">@homefromcollege</a> socials!

Step inside the LA office of De Soi—the non-alcoholic apéritif brand co-founded by Katy Perry and led by CEO Scout Brisson. From flavor innovation to female-led leadership, this H\FC Office Tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how De Soi is redefini

De Sois

H\FC Office Tours: De Sois

H\FC Office Tour: De Soi with CEO Scout Brisson

So you landed the internship — huge win! 🎉 Now what? Whether it’s your first internship or your fifth, making the most of your time starts before the first day. Internships aren’t just about checking tasks off a to-do list — they’re your backstage pass to the professional world. Want to stand out and build real momentum for your career? Start here:1️⃣ Book Coffee Chats Early (Yes, Even Virtual Ones) Your team might be busy, but most people love taking 15–20 minutes to chat about what they do, how they got there, or just swap music recs and talk weekend plans. Reaching out for casual coffee chats (or virtual meet-and-greets) early on helps you build relationships fast and makes those Slack convos way less awkward later. Pro tip: Don’t just talk work. Ask about their favorite project, how they got started, or even what they wish they knew as an intern. People remember curiosity and good vibes.2️⃣ Track Your Highlights from Day One You’d be surprised how quickly you forget the awesome stuff you worked on. From small wins to major projects, keep a running doc of what you’re contributing to, any positive feedback you get, and key results (bonus points for metrics).Why? When it’s time to update your resume, write a LinkedIn post, or prep for your final intern presentation, you’ll already have everything ready to go. It’s basically your personal brag sheet — and you deserve it.3️⃣ Network Beyond Your Team You’ll probably work closely with your direct team, but don’t stop there. Use this internship to explore other departments, career paths, and people doing work you’re curious about. Send a quick message like: “Hey! I’m interning with [Team] this summer and would love to learn more about what you do at [Company]. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat sometime next week?”Simple, effective, and most people will say yes. You never know who might help you land your next role, recommend you for a project, or just give great advice.<hr>Final Thoughts Internships are more than a resume line — they’re your chance to build connections, confidence, and clarity on what you want next. Be proactive, stay curious, and take those extra steps to get to know your coworkers (and yourself). Start strong, keep a record, and remember: the best interns don’t just do the job — they own the experience.

So you landed the internship — huge win! 🎉 Now what?

top-3-things-to-do-as-an-incoming-intern

Top 3 Things to Do as an Incoming Intern

College life, often hailed as the best years of one's life, can truthfully be a crucible for mental health. It's time to realize and address this reality that hundreds of thousands of students experience, and talk about real ways for students to cope with this. Let's validate the struggles that too many students are dealing with everyday, and realistic ways you could go about coping! The Silent StruggleCollege is a time of intense transformation. It's the journey towards independence, a pursuit of knowledge, and self-exploration. But beneath the surface, many students find themselves battling with the silent monster: mental health issues. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges are prevalent on campuses across the globe, affecting students from all walks of life. Your best friend can be living with this struggle, it can be the girl sitting next to you during meeting, or the guy sitting in the front of the lecture asking questions - you will never know how many people around you are truly struggling.The Weight of Expectations and the Loneliness of Suffering&nbsp;One of the culprits is the pressure cooker of expectations. We're told that college is the gateway to success, that every moment should be cherished, and that we should be at the peak of our happiness. But the reality is that academic rigor, financial strain, and the struggle to fit in can cast a shadow on our mental well-being.&nbsp;And while social media and Gen-Z have exponentially normalized the conversation of being a “depressed girly 💅🏻” and make jokes about our declining mental health, the day-to-day is a massive, lonely struggle of internal turmoil. Gen-Z may have broken the stigma of mental health, but for many it has become a punchline - a self-deprecating joke that is then swiftly brushed under the rug to move onto the next thing. For others, the pressure to maintain an image of effortless success prevents many from seeking help or sharing their struggles. In both worlds, we must break this silence and cycle of brushing off the struggle, and instead, address the struggle head on.&nbsp;So, What Next?&nbsp;In a world where academic success is celebrated, let's also celebrate the courage it takes to face our inner demons. In doing so, we can transform college into a time of growth, empowerment, and resilience. We, like yourselves, have heard of all the idealistic and proper ways of dealing with mental health in college. We know though, a lot of those solutions may not match up with your reality. Maybe you have no way of affording professional help or medications. Maybe you can't afford to take less classes next semester. Maybe have you had the worst college counselor experience (it’s a canon event) and are traumatized to ask for more help. So here are some ideas you may not have tried yet, some realistic bandaids, and some out-of-the-box things to try for the sake of finding one thing that helps:Friendly disclaimer that dealing with your mental health is a boatload of work regardless, and creating change within takes time and dedication... but you can do it! 1️⃣ Seek Support Early:Say you’ve recently started struggling more than normal - don’t ignore it and hope it goes away! It’s always easier to deal with issues in its baby stages head on. Reach out to your college’s counseling or mental health services to see what resources may be available to you (and p.s. most of them are free). This is also a great time to reach out to friends and family you trust to open up about your struggles. Sometimes the best remedy is a good shoulder to cry on and a wise soul with wise advice to help you with your struggles!2️⃣ Manage Your Time: Create a realistic schedule to balance academics, social life, and self-care<ul><li>Protect your peace and learn to say NO to social, academic, and professional events that you don’t actually want to go to or is not healthy for you to be at in the moment</li></ul> 3️⃣ Prioritize Self-Care:<ul><li>Get adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise: create concrete chunks of time in your calendar for meal breaks and exercise, even if it’s a 10 minute walk outside!</li><li>Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce anxiety: try free resources like Spotify, Headspace, Youtube, and even TikTok! All you need is a good 5-10 of a good meditation or breathing exercise to make your mind and body feel more relaxed</li></ul> 4️⃣ Set Realistic Expectations:<ul><li>Understand that perfection is not attainable</li><li>It’s better to try and fail than not try at all, so don’t let things that don’t work out get you down!</li><li>Set achievable goals and break tasks into smaller, manageable steps</li></ul> 5️⃣ Connect Socially:<ul><li>Build a support network by participating in clubs, organizations, or sports; you won’t find a healthy support system without going out to find it!</li><li>Make time for friends and reach out when you need someone to talk to - they care about you and want you to be okay!</li></ul> 6️⃣ Communicate with Professors:<ul><li>If you're facing challenges, inform your professors early and discuss accommodations if needed - most professors are understanding and willing to help students in crisis</li></ul> 7️⃣ Be Kind to Yourself:<ul><li>Celebrate all your wins, small ones and big ones</li><li>Understand that setbacks are part of the college experience, and it's okay to make mistakes</li></ul> 8️⃣ Consider Professional Help:<ul><li>If your mental health struggles persist or worsen, don't hesitate to seek therapy or eventually medication. Issues like depression are a chemical change in your brain - you cannot fully control it, and therefore sometimes the solution is to get medical help!</li></ul> Remember, you are not alone in facing mental health challenges in college. Your mental health matters, and there are resources available to support you along the way. The great thing about college is that there are so many free and available resources for you to get educated and get help.&nbsp; Your mental health is not a weakness; it's a facet of our overall well-being. It's as real as physical health, and seeking help for mental health issues should be as natural as visiting a doctor when you’re sick. We see and hear you in your struggles, and we hope you can find the strength to do what’s necessary in helping yourself! Stay strong, students!

+ practical ways to deal with mental health in college!

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