Opinion | University vloggers give young people a voice

By, James Fishwick, First Year, History

University vloggers are incredibly influential and we should recognize the impact they have on us and the impressive work that they do.

You have probably encountered them; stress watched their revision videos the night before your first GCSE mock exam thinking ‘Does this count? Will it help me? Then wondering if their morning routine really does include them getting up at 5:00am and doing yoga. However you feel about university vloggers and the rise of ‘studytubers’ it is hard to deny their newfound influence.

Studytubers have seen popularity grow in recent years as students and young people turn to YouTube and social media for academic help and inspiration. Content creators such as Eve Bennett, UnJaded Jade, Ibz Mo and Jack Edwards have nearly 800,000 subscribers between them. All of them document the highs and lows of their university experience as well as sharing top tips on organization, revision techniques and ways to have fun when taking a break from academia. Their videos show that university is accessible and provides a realistic insight into social life and extra-curriculars whilst also depicting the harsh world of challenging academia at a higher education institution.

The impact that this new style of vlogging has created is undoubtedly overwhelmingly positive;

This move into an academic genre of vlogging speaks volumes about the interests and priorities of their audiences, as students from secondary school upwards move online and away from the traditional methods of information that were once the main source of help and support. ‘Studytubers’ are relatable and for this reason, increasingly popular.

Vlogging your entire university career t could benefit you massively. It could be a therapeutic way of keeping track of your life and could inspire you to document your memories. Vlogging could quite easily be used as an emotional outlet, like a diary, which could help you focus on your mental health.

Documenting your time at university improve the lives of those who watch your content. Shared experiences and knowing someone else feels the same as you, can make all the difference to someone who is struggling. Contrastingly, the most notable UK study vloggers are extremely high achievers with an abundance of A*s and As, studying at some of the top universities in the UK and internationally. It begs the question as to whether their content sets unrealistic standards as to what the average student is able to achieve.

The influence that these students hold is immense and often do important work, raising awareness about issues of inclusivity and supporting their subscribers during exam season.  Ibz Mo, a ‘studytuber’ and recent graduate from the University of Cambridge, advocates for greater widening participation and access into universities from under-represented groups

The impact that this new style of vlogging has created is undoubtedly overwhelmingly positive; liberating underrepresented groups and speaking out on issues that affect young people, relating their lives to ours. It is a sign of the times that students have the power and autonomy to  share their university experiences, and these inspirational people are doing important work shedding light on the lives of undergrads and really giving young people a voice.

Which univeristy vlogger is your favorite?