Engaging the student paper
Use this page when a student publication or campus newsroom is the best audience for a dining story.
Start here
Treat the student paper like a campus partner.
Student publications are a strong fit when the story directly affects students, campus life, dining access, new menu items, events, openings, or student-facing innovation.
Before reaching out
- Check with campus communications partners for existing relationships, preferences, or conflicts.
- Confirm the client is comfortable with outreach to the campus paper.
- If the client already has a relationship, give them the information or a drafted email so they can pitch the story directly.
Good student-paper stories
- A new opening, menu, station, or dining experience.
- An event students can attend or benefit from.
- A chef, team member, student worker, or community story with a human angle.
- A campus dining update that helps students understand what is changing and why.
Engagement idea: Have a new opening or launching a new menu? Invite the student paper for an exclusive first look so they can be among the first to experience the location or menu.
Find a contact
Start with the most relevant editor or reporter.
The best first contact is usually someone who already covers campus life, student news, events, food, culture, or features.
Search the paper's site
Look for staff, contact, masthead, section, or newsroom pages. Try to find an editor or reporter before using a general inbox.
Use the best available address
If you cannot find an individual contact, use the general alias, contact form, or submit-a-news-tip page on the publication's website.
Check recent coverage
Skim recent stories so your note reflects what the publication covers and where your idea might fit.
Save what you learn
Add names, roles, emails, social handles, office hours, and notes to your campus media list for future outreach.
Make the pitch
Humanize the note and keep the student audience first.
The student paper is part of the campus community too. Make the message practical, personal, and easy to turn into a story.
What to include
- Why this matters to students right now.
- Who they can interview or quote.
- When and where the event, launch, or experience is happening.
- What visuals, samples, or access are available.
- Any deadline or timing that helps them plan coverage.
Tone to use
- Personalize the message to the publication, section, or reporter.
- Keep the pitch conversational and campus-centered.
- Remember the shared goal: helping students stay up to date on campus happenings.
- Avoid sounding like a generic promotion or announcement blast.
Follow up
Use campus-specific follow-up before moving on.
Student newsrooms can be volunteer-run, deadline-heavy, or staffed around class schedules. Make it easy for them to respond.
If email is not working
- If the student paper has office hours, consider stopping by to introduce the story or invite them to the event in person.
- Try social outreach, including X/Twitter or the publication's current social handle, if other tactics are not working.
- Reach out to individual editors/reporters or the publication account when appropriate.
Keep it useful
- Send one concise reminder with the strongest student-facing hook.
- Offer photos, interview access, event details, or a quick background call.
- If they pass or do not respond, keep the contact notes for the next better-fit story.
Campus newspapers are natural targets for student-facing dining events. With client approval, teams should share the relevant template or pitch with the student paper when the story is a fit.
Media drops
Use a media drop to create buzz before an event or campaign.
A media drop is a planned delivery of PR or marketing materials that gives the student paper a tangible reason to notice, sample, or preview the story.
Plan it, do not surprise them
- Writers and editors are not always in the office Monday through Friday.
- Reach out in advance to coordinate timing, location, and recipient.
- Explain what you are dropping off and why it connects to the upcoming story.
Drop ideas
- Arrange for a free lunch delivered to their office on the day of the event.
- Give them a branded voucher for a free lunch and invite them to attend.
- Share a sneak peek at an upcoming menu or meal concept they can try first.
