Ebook: 25 Watering Holes No One Has Told You About

In today’s increasingly noisy higher-ed landscape, it’s no longer enough to simply show up where every other institution is marketing.

To truly connect with students who align with your mission and values, you need to be present where their attention naturally gathers—often in overlooked, unexpected spaces.

This guide highlights 25 of those hidden opportunities, complete with insights and real-world examples to help your team begin showing up in places most institutions haven’t even considered.

These “watering holes” are the digital and physical spaces where prospective students—and the people who influence them—go to exchange ideas, seek solutions, and shape their futures.

They’re rarely included in traditional marketing plans. But that’s exactly why they represent such powerful opportunities to reach mission-fit students in more authentic, relational ways.

Inside the ebook, you’ll find these 25 watering holes categorized into three sections:

1. Online/Social Watering Holes
2. Physical/Local Watering Holes
3. Influencer/Peer-Based Watering Holes

If your college or university is mission-driven, then your marketing should be, too.

That means showing up in places where your future students are asking questions, forming values, and dreaming about what’s next.

These 25 watering holes offer a roadmap to engage students long before they’re filling out applications.