UniSeek is a social media project developed to showcase university life through the voices of real students studying abroad. Through temporary account takeovers, participants present their daily routines, academic activities and social experiences from campuses across Europe and beyond.
The project offers an authentic insight into different educational systems and student cultures, allowing future students to better understand what studying abroad really looks like beyond brochures and rankings.
UniSeek is designed as a community-driven initiative, where each takeover reflects a personal academic journey. The goal is not promotion, but representation: giving visibility to real-life student experiences in an honest and transparent way.
Through visual storytelling, short videos and direct interaction, UniSeek builds a bridge between students who already study abroad and those who are considering this path. The content focuses on daily life, academic routines, challenges and moments that define student life in international environments.
Full social media campaign concept explaining scholarships for Romanian students in the diaspora, with a 7-day calendar, key messages, channels and tools.
Read full campaign descriptionTwo carousel concepts: common mistakes when applying to university abroad and a practical 5-step guide for organizing a student budget.
View Instagram contentTwo Facebook posts: a practical departure checklist for students and a personal story about applying for DUO and lessons learned.
Read Facebook contentFour short-form video concepts for TikTok, covering student housing, DUO basics, differences between Romanian high school and university abroad, and letters in Dutch.
View TikTok conceptsPerformance overview for UniSeek content on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, with key metrics, conclusions and recommendations for future posts.
Read KPI reportSocial Media Campaign – Complete Deliverable
Campaign title:
“#ScholarshipsForTheDiaspora – Information that matters”
Campaign goal:
To inform young Romanians who are studying (or want to study) abroad about the types of scholarships available, how they can apply, and how they can avoid common mistakes.
Specific objectives:
Channels used:
Platform – Reason
Instagram – High reach among students, visual, easy to follow
Facebook – Good for explanatory posts and sharing in groups
TikTok – Short, viral, easy to “digest” format
WhatsApp – Direct sharing in student and alumni groups
Campaign calendar (7 days)
Day – Content – Platform
Monday – Carousel: “Top 3 European scholarships for Romanian students” – Instagram
Tuesday – Post: “Checklist: What documents you need for your application” – Facebook
Wednesday – Reels: “I applied for a scholarship and forgot X… I lost everything” – Instagram/TikTok
Thursday – Story + Poll: “Have you ever applied for a scholarship?” – Instagram
Friday – Short video: “5 common mistakes in applications” – TikTok
Saturday – Post + link: “Fill in the form if you have questions!” – Facebook/Instagram
Sunday – LIVE Q&A: “Questions about scholarships – honest answers” – Instagram/Facebook
Key campaign messages:
“Correct information can bring you 300–500 euros per month.”
“Don’t miss a scholarship just because no one told you how to apply.”
“Small mistakes can cost big money.”
“If you don’t apply, the answer is already ‘no’.”
Tools used:
Activity – Tools
Planning & calendar – Google Sheets / Notion
Visuals – Canva
Post scheduling – Meta Business Suite
Feedback collection – Google Forms
LIVE & Q&A – Instagram / Facebook Live
Concrete example – Instagram carousel post (Day 1):
Title: “Top 3 European scholarships for Romanian students”
Erasmus+ – for international mobility
Holland Scholarship – for non-EU/EU applicants in the Netherlands
ÖAD Austria – for studies or research in Vienna
Description: What it offers, conditions, how to apply
Hashtags: #RomanianScholarships #StudentsInDiaspora #UniSeek2025
Conclusion:
This campaign is fully justifiable as student work: strategic planning, digital communication, educational content and social engagement. Every element is realistic, replicable and documentable.
Instagram Post (Carousel)
Theme: “5 things you should NOT do when applying to university abroad”
Carousel structure (6 slides):
Slide 1 – Impactful title:
“5 mistakes that can sabotage your university application abroad”
Slide 2 – Mistake #1:
“Submitting an incomplete application file”
The absence of a single document (e.g. a notarized translation of your diploma) can lead to automatic rejection. Double-check the requirements!
Slide 3 – Mistake #2:
“Using the same motivation letter everywhere”
Universities want to see that you know why you chose that specific program. Be specific!
Slide 4 – Mistake #3:
“Not checking your email daily”
Responses often arrive by email, and sometimes you are asked for an additional document. If you reply too late… game over.
Slide 5 – Mistake #4 & #5:
“Ignoring available scholarships”
A lot of money remains unclaimed just because students do not apply.
“Submitting everything at the last minute”
Servers crash, PDFs do not upload… Send everything 2–3 days in advance.
Slide 6 – CTA:
Save the post if you are about to apply.
Tag a colleague who needs this reminder!
Caption (Instagram):
Are you applying to university abroad? You only get one or two chances per year – don’t allow yourself simple mistakes.
Here are 5 things you should NOT do. Some seem minor, but they have ruined good applications.
What did you learn from your own application experience? Tell us in the comments.
If you need help, send us a private message!
Instagram Post (Carousel)
Theme: “How to organize your budget as a student”
Carousel structure (6 slides):
Slide 1 – Impactful title:
“How to organize your budget as a student abroad – a 5-step guide”
Slide 2 – Step 1: Calculate real income
Salary (part-time)
DUO / scholarship
Support from parents
Other sources (freelance, grants)
Write down the total net amount you have available per month.
Slide 3 – Step 2: Make a list of fixed expenses
Rent
Subscriptions (internet, Netflix)
Food (supermarket)
Transport
Write them down in a Google Sheet or app (e.g. Spendee, Revolut)
Slide 4 – Step 3: Set a limit for “treats”
Eating out
Clothes
Optional subscriptions
Recommendation: max. 15–20% of your budget
Slide 5 – Step 4 & 5: Savings + Tracking
Put aside 50–100 EUR (even if symbolic)
Check weekly if you are staying within limits
Useful apps: Wallet, YNAB, Moneyfy
Slide 6 – CTA:
A budget saves you in hard times.
Save the post and send it to a friend who spends too much!
Caption (Instagram):
Student life is expensive. And when you are abroad, every euro counts.
We created a 5-step mini-guide to help you organize your budget simply and efficiently.
You don’t need to be an Excel expert – you just need to know where your money goes.
How do you keep track of your expenses? Do you have a favorite app? Tell us in the comments!
Facebook Post (Useful guide for students)
Theme: “Checklist: what you need to have with you when you move to a new country”
Post text (optimized for Facebook):
Are you preparing to leave to study abroad? Here is a simple checklist to save you from stress in the last days before departure.
Whether you are going to the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium or Sweden, all Romanian students forget something when they leave. We prepared a short list, tested and completed by students in the diaspora.
Essential documents:
Passport + ID card (2 copies + PDF in Google Drive)
Diplomas + notarized translations
Rental contract (or proof of accommodation)
University acceptance letter
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Health insurance (if you do not have a valid EHIC)
Digital / IT:
Laptop + charger + plug adapter
USB stick with important documents
Active subscriptions: Google Drive, Zoom, antivirus
VPN (if you use Romanian banking apps)
Financial:
Romanian bank card + international one (e.g. Revolut, Wise)
At least 300 EUR cash in local currency
IBAN code + bank statement (sometimes requested by authorities)
Envelopes for documents + plastic folder
Practical items:
2–3 towels + bed linen set
Basic medical kit (paracetamol, bandages, ibuprofen)
1 Romanian power strip
Essential utensils (knife, spoon, opener)
Useful link:
Discover the “DUO Checklist” for the Netherlands:
https://duo.nl/studenten/romania/checklist
(example link)
What did you forget at home when you left?
Write in the comments – and help the next student be more prepared.
Share this if you have a friend who is leaving soon.
Suggested image:
An open backpack on a bed + books + passport + laptop – title on image:
“Departure checklist – don’t forget the important things!”
Facebook Post (Personal experience – educational and human)
Theme: “How I applied for DUO – my story and what I learned”
Post text (optimized for Facebook):
How I applied for DUO and what I would do differently if I started over
I am a Romanian student in the Netherlands and today I want to honestly tell you how my first interaction with DUO went. Maybe it will help you avoid some mistakes I made at the beginning.
Step 1 – When I started the process
I moved to the Netherlands in August and started my DUO application in September. Big mistake. Ideally, I should have prepared everything starting in July, with all the documents ready.
Step 2 – The documents I had (or not...)
Part-time employment contract: 12 hours/week
Proof of address + BSN
Bank statement in my name – I sent it late
Form from employer filled out incorrectly
Result: 2-month delay before receiving my first support
Step 3 – Communication with DUO
This was the challenge. Letters arrive in Dutch, the language is bureaucratic, and you don’t always get a clear answer. My solution:
I called directly and asked for clarification of the terms (twice)
I asked for help from a Romanian student NGO – it was a lifesaver
What I learned:
Start everything at least 2 months in advance
Double-check everything you send
Don’t hesitate to ask for help – from colleagues, organizations, even DUO (by phone)
Create a digital archive: PDFs, statements, copies, everything organized
Useful resources:
[DUO guide in Romanian – simplified version]
https://example.com/duo-ghid-romani
Facebook group: “Romanian students in the Netherlands – Questions & answers”
NGOs offering support: GCRS, UniSeek, etc.
Have you also gone through the chaos of the DUO application?
Write in the comments what you learned and how you managed to get support.
Share this post if you have a friend who just moved to the Netherlands – it will help them more than you think.
Suggested image:
A student in front of a laptop, with a stack of documents and coffee. Text over the image:
“DUO application – what I did wrong and what I learned
TikTok Content – Deliverable 1
Theme: “Dorm life vs renting in the Netherlands”
Title (for TikTok): “Dorm or rent in the Netherlands? The quick truth”
General idea:
A quick, honest and funny comparison between dorm life and renting, with two characters played by the same student (or by switching outfits/styles).
Video script (30–40 seconds):
[Split screen or outfit change]
Character 1 – Student in a dorm:
“I pay 290 EUR a month. I share the bathroom with 12 people and I’m not allowed to cook anything that makes smoke. Bonus? I once ate soup that tasted like detergent.”
Character 2 – Student renting:
“I pay 680 EUR, but I have all the peace in the world. And a kitchen where I make stuffed cabbage whenever I want. The only problem? The landlord sometimes comes in unannounced…”
Narrator voice (real student):
“The truth? It depends on you. The dorm is cheaper, but stressful. Rent = freedom, but at the cost of loneliness and responsibility.”
Final CTA (text on screen + voice):
“Where would you stay if you studied in the Netherlands? Write in the comments!”
“Save this if you still haven’t decided!”
Hashtags:
#UniSeek2025 #StudentsInTheNetherlands #DormVsRent #StudentLife #StudyAbroad #StudentTips
TikTok Content – Deliverable 2
Theme: “What you need to know about DUO in 30 seconds”
Title (for TikTok): “Want money from DUO? Find out what you NEED to know”
General idea:
Fast-paced explanatory video, with large text on screen, background from a student room or in front of a library. Friendly but serious tone.
Video script (max. 30 seconds):
Student speaking directly to the camera:
“Are you a Romanian student in the Netherlands? Here’s what you NEED to know about DUO in 30 seconds.”
[On-screen text + voice]
You can receive a grant + tuition loan + maintenance loan.
To receive the full amount, you need at least 56 working hours per month or a valid employment/contract agreement.
Don’t lie in your application – they can check you!
Final voice:
“Pay attention to what you sign. And keep ALL documents. DUO does not joke around!”
Final CTA (text on screen + voice):
“Save the video and tag a colleague who needs to know this!”
Hashtags:
#DUO #StudentsInTheNetherlands #UniSeek #StudentGrants #StudyAbroad #StudentLife
TikTok Content – Deliverable 3
Theme: “What’s different between high school in Romania and university abroad”
Title (for TikTok): “The differences between high school in Romania and university abroad”
General idea:
Quick comparison in a “split screen” or “before vs after” style, with images or short scenes. Funny but realistic tone, with popular upbeat TikTok music in the background.
Video script (max. 30 seconds):
Sequence 1 – High school in Romania (voice, image 1):
“Teacher: If you don’t come in uniform, you’re not coming in!”
Frustrated student at desk
Sequence 2 – University abroad:
“Professor: If you come today, great. If not… watch the recording.”
Student in pajamas at the laptop, relaxed
Sequence 3 – Romania:
“Memorize for the final exam and watch out for trick questions!”
Sequence 4 – Abroad:
“Write an essay about what you’re passionate about and come with questions.”
Final voice:
“When you move from control to autonomy… it’s a shock, but also freeing.”
Final CTA (text on screen + voice):
“Where did you feel the biggest difference? Write in the comments!”
Hashtags:
#RomanianStudents #HighSchoolVsUniversity #StudyAbroad #UniSeek #StudentLife #ErasmusLife
TikTok Content – Deliverable 4
Theme: “What to do if you receive a letter in Dutch and understand nothing”
Title (for TikTok): “LETTER IN DUTCH?! Panic or solutions?”
General idea:
A funny depiction of a Romanian student opening a letter from a Dutch authority (e.g. Belastingdienst, DUO, IND, etc.). The video goes from panic to practical solutions.
Video script (max. 30 seconds):
Sequence 1 – Opening the letter:
Close-up of the student’s face as they open the envelope and see Dutch text.
“Klantnummer… What?”
Dramatic sound effect (e.g. dun-dun-DUUUN)
Sequence 2 – Quick reactions:
“Google Translate? Doesn’t understand everything…”
“Ask my classmates? They don’t know either…”
“What is Belastingdienst?! A dragon?”
Sequence 3 – Solutions:
“Ok, breathe. Here’s what you do:
Look up the institution on the official website.
Use DeepL, not just Google Translate.
Write in the Romanian student group – someone has surely received this before!
If it’s serious – ask your diaspora NGO for help!”
Final voice:
“Letters in Dutch are not the end of the world. They’re just a mini-boss in student life!”
Final CTA (text on screen + voice):
“Has this happened to you too? Tell us what you did!”
Hashtags:
#StudentInTheNetherlands #DutchLetter #StudentLife #UniSeek #PanicOrSolution #DiasporaTips
KPI Report – UniSeek Project
Analyzed period: June 1–30, 2025
Responsible: Student collaborator – Social Media & Content
Main objective:
Evaluation of the performance of posts created within the UniSeek project on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, in order to optimize content for the following months.
Analyzed performance indicators (KPIs):
Platform – Post – Reach – Engagement rate – Saves – Clicks – Observations
Instagram – “5 mistakes when applying to university” – 1,870 – 11.2% – 126 – 43 – High-performing carousel format, educational, easy to save
Instagram – “Romanian student’s budget” – 1,450 – 8.5% – 98 – 35 – Empathetic tone and clear visuals
Facebook – “Checklist for moving to another country” – 940 – 6.3% – 67 – 22 – Long text, effective CTA (“Save the post”)
TikTok – “What DUO is in 30 seconds” – 2,300 – 13.8% – 74 – 15 – Short video format, with humor and useful information
TikTok – “Dorm life vs rent” – 1,780 – 12.1% – 59 – 9 – Mixed reactions, but good retention in the first 10 seconds
Key conclusions:
Educational carousels on Instagram had the most saves – a sign that users consider them useful long term.
TikTok has the best engagement and retention – more “fun mini-guide” clips are recommended.
Posts with a clear CTA (e.g. “Save”, “Share”) perform better than strictly informative ones.
Recommendations for the next month:
Increase the frequency of video posts on TikTok (at least 2 per week).
Maintain the carousel format for educational posts.
Recycle high-performing content across multiple platforms (e.g. adapt the same carousel for Facebook and IG Stories).
Introduce interactive polls in Instagram Stories to collect topics of direct interest from the audience.
