From SUB to Screens: How TikTok is Transforming Campus Entertainment

How short-form content is changing student entertainment in UI.

By Mathilda Yakubu

In the past, when UI students had free time, they’d hang around SUB, visit Kenneth Dike Library, or attend drama rehearsals and hall events. Now, many just pull out their phones, adjust their lighting, and film 30-second TikTok videos. That culture has changed.

Every corner of campus has become potential content space from the Faculty of economics building to the faculty of social science car pack, UI’s TikTok scene is quietly booming, and many students are riding that wave. .”

TikTok isn’t just fun anymore, it’s business. Some students now plan content calendars, schedule shoots around lecture-free periods, and collaborate with others. They take transitions, outfit changes, and trending sounds seriously. It’s no longer surprising to meet students with ring lights and tripods in their backpacks.

Interestingly, it has become a source of community too. TikTok UI creators often support one another, sharing each other’s work, linking up for content, and even hosting meet-and-greets during hall weeks.

However, it’s not all glamorous. It can be draining though people think it’s just vibes, but it’s work. Still, there’s no denying TikTok has reshaped how students consume and produce entertainment. Instead of waiting for physical events, students now look forward to the latest campus trend, the next viral dance, or the next edit to use for their business promotion.

As the digital world grows, so does student creativity. TikTok has handed students a stage and clearly, they’re performing