As a brand new Tweep, I felt lost in the daunting world of Twitter. I wasn’t sure who to follow, or for that matter, how to follow them. Although I’m nowhere near an expert on the wide realm of Twitter, I’m now a little obsessed. If you aren’t sure how to get started, here are our favorite national, Columbia and Mizzou Tweeps. Some deliver up-to-the-minute news, others give you deals for cheap (or even free!) food, and some just make you laugh. Happy tweeting!
For your up-to-the-minute dose of national/international/local news:
The New York Times
@nytimes
Example Tweet: “Egyptian Military Forces End to New Protest” + link
The New York Times is an excellent source of national and international news. The account tweets important headlines and always have the latest update on the recent protests in the Middle East and Africa.
BBC
@BBCnews
Example Tweet: “Restaurateur’s rodent ruse rumbled” + link
BBC is one of the best news sources out there; it’s reliable and unbiased. Based in Britain, the source produces a lot of European and international news. It also provides an interesting perspective on U.S. news.
Anderson Cooper
@andersoncooper
Example Tweet: “Did you see #Gadhafi’s latest intv?! #ac360 10p. We’ll also show you the real facts of what’s happening in #libya.”
One of America’s leading journalists (not to mention one of the most attractive), Anderson Cooper tweets about his incredible journeys through foreign countries, along with his interviews with newsworthy leaders and celebrities.
Newsy
@Newsy_Videos
Example Tweet: “New company named Social Eyes is like on steroids. See why.” + link
Newsy creates short videos jam-packed with important information about breaking news stories. Its tweets include headlines and links to the videos, which are handy if you need the news but could use a break from reading.
Columbia Missourian
@CoMissourian
Example Tweet: “City has responded to a host of injury accidents in the past hour, particularly on U.S. 63. The roads are getting slick. Be careful.”
A great source for local news, the Missourian tweets important stories, along with traffic notifications or other need-to-know information.
For all things Mizzou:
The Maneater
@TheManeater
Example Tweet: “AUDIO SLIDESHOW: The sights and sounds of protest.” + link
The Maneater isn’t affiliated with the University of Missouri, but it provides news about issues that affect students and those in the community. Its tweets give you a simple link to articles that might be important for you to know.
Her Campus Mizzou
@HerCampusMizzou
Example Tweet: “Spring Break isn’t just for fun, it’s a great time to think about internships too! Check out our tips for getting one!” + link
We’re a little biased, but we love our site! Follow our tweets for links to our latest content and to new reads on the national Her Campus site.
MU Alert
@MUalert
Example Tweet: “Chancellor Brady Deaton has announced that MU will remain in full closure for Thurs Feb 3; all classes cancelled”
MU alert is a must-follow for all Mizzou tweeps. It tweets emergency information quickly, so you can know if you need to take action in a situation. If you were wondering how people heard about the snow days so quickly after they were announced, MU alert was one of the first to tweet about it!
Mizzou Athletics
@mutigersdotcom
Example Tweet: “AT THE HALF: Nebraska 27, #Mizzou 25”
If you bleed black and gold for Mizzou sports, this is the Twitter account for you! It tweets about a wide array of Mizzou sports-related news, including score reports when you have to miss the big game.
MU Student Unions
@MUStudentUnions
Example Tweet: “Want somewhere to watch the Mizzou game tonight? Come to the Shack! Watch party starts at 6:30 and is sponsored by AASB”
If you’re ever on campus and bored, the MU Student Unions twitter feed has got your back! It always tweets about events happening on campus to ensure that you will never again say “I have nothing to do.”
Overheard at MU
@OverheardAtMU
Example Tweet: “Overheard in Memorial Union: ‘I feel like a grown up now that some of my friends are going to jail.’”
These tweets have the potential to make you LOL. We’ve all overheard some pretty funny things on campus, and now they’re compiled in one place.
For the foodies of Columbia:
Hot Box Cookies
@hotboxcookies
Example Tweet: “Want 4 FREE cookies? Place an online order and select the 2 FREE cookies under “Exclusive Specials” tab, then retweet this post!”
What’s better than Hot Box Cookies? FREE Hot Box Cookies, of course! Hot Box Cookies always tweets opportunities for people to get warm gooey cookies for free. Hungry yet?
Yogoluv
@yogoluv
Example Tweet: “Sleet again!! Come in and get 20% off today. 2/24/11 secret passphrase: 40 cents per oz is cheaper than 45 cents!”
What’s better than Yogoluv? (Are you sensing a trend?) Cheap Yogoluv! Yogoluv tweets opportunities for you to get all of that frozen yogurt goodness with a wide array of toppings for a cheaper price.
Shakespeare’s Pizza
@Shakespizza
Example Tweet: “THANX COLUMBIA! The Best College Hangout Customers in the NATION! Peanut butter jelly time $1.50 slice time! Say TWITTER. Both locations!”
Shakespeare’s Pizza is not only “The Best College Hangout” in America, but it also has delicious pizza. Follow this feed on Twitter so you can get discounts on your next slice. #NomNom
Red Mango
@RedMango_CoMo
Example Tweet: “Looking for a place to study tonight? Grab some yogurt and park it in one of our tables or booths. Free wifi + delicious study snack = #WIN!”
Looking for a way to stay on your spring break diet but still craving a sweet treat? Try the healthier alternative, and head to Red Mango. This fro-yo spot tweets about deals. Many activities partner with Red Mango for philanthropy fundraisers, so you might be supporting a good cause as well!
For the LOLs:
Fake Betty White
@BettyFckinWhite
Example Tweet: “#Oscars Drinking Game: Take a shot whenever James Franco or Anne Hathaway says something that makes you wish Ricky Gervais was hosting.”
Although this isn’t actually Betty White, the tweets are hilarious and make me wish she were my grandma. It makes Betty White seem much even more feisty than the Golden Girl she once was.
Stephen Colbert
@StephenAtHome
Example Tweet: “I don’t understand board games. I literally have no Clue.”
Stephen Colbert is widely known for his crazy hilarious antics, and his tweets are no disappointment. Colbert is an excellent cure for a grumpy day.
Justin Bieber
@justinbeiber
Example Tweet: “best fans in the world! thank u! #neversaynever and #makeachange”
Whether you have Bieber fever or not, it’s pretty entertaining when you see all of the preteen girls who have the word “Bieber” in their Twitter names. He has one of the largest followings (second to Lady Gaga), and we’ll admit his tweets make him sound like a pretty adorable guy.
Chelsea Handler
@chelseahandler
Example Tweet: “Its monday and adele is on tonight’s show. i announce my album release and she announces her comedy tour http://say.ly/Mhwae3”
If you aren’t familiar with Chelsea Handler, look her up ASAP! She’s hilarious and her tweets follow suit. Her show Chelsea Lately is worth a watch as well.
Lord Voldemort
@Lord_Voldemort7
Example Tweet: “I hope I don’t run into Ke$ha at an #oscars after-party. I ate the unicorn in her music video for breakfast. #Awkward”
This fictional character’s tweets are super sassy and funny. Even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fanatic, “He Who Shall Not Be Named” is an entertaining tweep to follow.