Being a student journalist isn’t a walk in the park.

Your job is to report the facts on what’s happening at your university. You have thousands of other students reading and evaluating your work.

This article will give you the top writing advice to put out a successful student newspaper.

1. Talk to People in Class

The best stories for your student paper will come from conversations you have with people in class.

Students in college love to talk about what their passionate about and what bothers them. Get to know what students are saying and find a story there.

For instance, if everyone is complaining about parking, delve into that issue and find out what the problem is.

2. Read More

It’s impossible to be a better writer if you’re not reading.

You need to read the work of journalists you admire. Pick up a copy of your city’s newspaper and see how the professionals do it.

Notice what facts they include and what they leave out. Study the way they use semicolons and punctuation.

This will teach you how to write like a real journalist.

3. Check Facebook Events

Facebook is one of the richest sources of story material.

Nearly everything that is happening on your campus or in your town is linked to a Facebook event.

Take time each day to scroll through upcoming events in the area that might make good stories.

This could include anything from an art gallery opening to a local band playing a concert. Go out and cover what students want to read.

4. Listen To Your Editor

It can be very hard at times as a writer to listen to the advice of an editor.

This is crucial though if you want to be a working journalist. As a writer, you are far too attached to your own work to form an unbiased opinion.

Your editor will give you ideas on how to freshen up your prose and make it even better.

5. Know Your Tech

This is the digital age and nearly all the students at your college will be reading your articles online.

This means you need to understand the basics of building a website and publishing articles digitally.

Dedicated server colocation in your newspaper office will help with an internet connection.

You want to make sure you can always be plugged in and ready to post a breaking news story or do research when the inspiration hits.

Now You Have the Top Writing Advice

Follow this top writing advice to become a better student journalist.

Remember, you will make mistakes and fail, but that’s ok, you’re learning the craft.

Be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to take risks. Sign up for that story that scares you, and follow every lead even if you don’t think it will go anywhere.