How to Write a Campus Op-Ed That Gets Noticed

Ever feel like you have something important to say about campus life, but you're not sure how to amplify your voice? Writing a campus op-ed is your ticket to making a real impact—and it's far simpler than you think. One well-crafted opinion piece each term can sharpen your thinking, connect you to your community, and give you a platform where your ideas genuinely matter.

Find Your Topic

The best op-eds start with something you truly care about. Look around your campus with fresh eyes. What's bugging you? What policy needs rethinking? What trend in your classes or social spaces deserves attention?

Your topic should pass the 'lunch test': if you can explain it passionately to a friend over lunch, it's worth writing about. Consider these starting points:

• A campus policy that affects daily student life
• An emerging trend you've noticed in your lectures or social spaces
• A fixable problem that's been overlooked
• A controversial decision that needs a fresh perspective

Write Clearly

Forget about sounding like a professor or a politician. Your goal is to be understood, not to impress with fancy vocabulary. Write as if you're explaining your idea to that friend at lunch—conversational, clear, and genuine.

Keep your language accessible and your sentences short. Break complex ideas into digestible chunks. Use examples from real campus life that readers will recognise immediately.

Remember: clarity beats cleverness every single time. If your mum or a first-year student can follow your argument, you're on the right track.

Be Bold & Submit

Here's your permission slip: campus papers aren't the Wall Street Journal. You can take a strong stance, stir the pot a little, and experiment with your voice. In fact, that's exactly what editors are looking for—fresh, bold perspectives.

Structure your piece strategically:

• Lead with your strongest point to hook readers immediately
• Bring one or two surprising examples that illustrate your argument
• End with a clear, actionable suggestion readers can actually follow

Don't overthink the submission process. Most campus papers have simple online forms. Hit that submit button with confidence—the worst thing that happens is a polite 'no thanks', and even that gives you valuable feedback.

Join the Conversation

Publishing your first op-ed is just the beginning. Make it a habit: aim for one piece each term. Over time, you'll find your voice evolving, your arguments getting sharper, and your confidence growing.

The real magic happens in the connections you'll make. Fellow students will approach you to discuss your ideas. Professors might reference your piece in class. You'll feel more plugged into what's happening around you, with a genuine sense of purpose beyond just attending lectures.

Even if one piece doesn't land perfectly, you'll learn, improve, and come back stronger for the next one. That's the beauty of campus journalism—it's a safe space to develop your voice and make your mark.

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