Passionate about Student Life in Toronto?
Welcome to The Downtown Student
What began as HOEM’s student-written digital magazine is expanding into a student-led multimedia platform. We are still publishing thoughtful, relatable written stories, but we are also creating space for video, photography, audio, and digital content that reflects how students actually share ideas today.
This is a place for real perspectives, creative experimentation, and stories that feel grounded in student life in Toronto.
Why “creators”? Because you might write. You might film. You might design, photograph, record, edit, or do a bit of everything. If you make things and have something to say about Toronto student life, you belong here.
Why Join Us?
- Build Your Portfolio: Create written articles, video essays, social-first content, photo stories, or multimedia features that showcase your voice and perspective.
- Learn By Doing: Pitch ideas. Get editorial feedback. Develop storytelling skills across formats. Understand SEO, digital publishing, and content strategy in a real-world environment.
- Boost Your CV: After publishing three pieces in any format, you earn the title of Staff Creator, a strong credential for resumes, portfolios, and grad school applications.
- Find Your People: Collaborate with fellow student creatives across Toronto. Share ideas. Experiment. Build something meaningful together.
What You Can Create
We are looking for content that feels honest, useful, creative, and distinctly student, such as:
- Stories and opinion pieces
- Neighbourhood guides and city discoveries
- Wellness and academic survival tips
- Cultural commentary and trend breakdowns
- Short- or long-form video
- Photo essays and visual storytelling
- Audio storytelling or experimental multimedia projects
Have an idea that does not fit neatly into a box? Perfect. Pitch it.
Who We’re Looking For
All Toronto students are welcome, not just those who live at HOEM.
You do not need professional experience. You do not need a massive following. You just need curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to collaborate.
Students studying journalism, communications, media, film, design, creative writing, or related fields may find this especially valuable, but no specific background is required.
If you care about student life and want to help shape the conversation, we want to hear from you.
How It Works
- Apply: Fill out a short form and submit a sample of your work or pitch an idea you are excited about.
- Welcome Aboard: Receive our Welcome Package with editorial guidelines, platform tips, and best practices.
- Create: Pitch ideas based on your interests or lived experience. Work with our editorial team to shape and refine your piece.
- Publish and share: Your content is reviewed, published on The Downtown Student, and promoted across the site’s social channels.
Publishing Schedule
New posts go live every Friday at 9:00 AM. We plan ahead to keep things smooth and collaborative, so you will always know what you are working toward.
Ready to Create?
Fill out the form below and share your idea.
Whether you write, film, record, design, or remix, your perspective matters. Let’s build something students actually want to read, watch, and share.
FAQ
Do I have to be a strong writer?
Not at all. If writing is not your main thing, you can pitch video, photo, audio, or multimedia ideas. If you want to improve your writing, we will support you.
Can I contribute in more than one format?
Yes. You can experiment across formats and evolve your role over time.
How much time does this take?
It depends on the project. Some pieces are quick and timely. Others are more in-depth. The scope of the project is primarily up to you, but then editing and feedback might take some time.
Do I need professional equipment?
No. Your phone should do. However we do expect high quality and resolution.
Is this paid?
At this time, The Downtown Student is a portfolio-building opportunity designed to help students gain experience, exposure, and real-world content credits.
