Get the most out of Twitter

Chances are you know what the social media tool Twitter is. If you don't know about it, this is a great slide show on using Twitter, even the advanced stuff. Either way, the real question is are you using Twitter to its full potential?

As a first generation or low income college student, Twitter can help you make new connections, build your network, and keep in touch with friends and family. But as a college student, there is so much more that you can gain from it. Here are 5 ways you can get the most bang out of Twitter:

Follow your college. A lot of colleges are on Twitter and you can get updates much faster than from other sources. This can keep you up to date on events, meetings, and announcements.Our friends at CollegeScholarships.org agree that you should follow your college.

Be in two places at once. When there's a conference or event you can't attend, follow its tweets to stay in the know. Following live updates is the next best thing to being there, almost like being two place at once.

Feel like an insider. Some stores and businesses offer special offers to their Twitter followers only. You can get the insider scoop just by following the tweets of your favorite places.

Rule the classroom. Twitter can be great in the college classroom, so incorporating it into projects or presentations can give you an edge over students shying away from it.

Socially acceptable shameless self-promotion. Got information, an idea, or a point of view you want to share? Twitter can help you do it, and nobody will think you're full of yourself. (And while we're talking about shameless self-promotion, you might as well follow Ask an Advisor, too!)

So there you have it. Now go out there and use Twitter to your advantage as a college student!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.