As a journalist with direct access to 1 million readers, you are in an immensely powerful position. Utilize that power. Read between the lines. With that said, also bear in mind that Link articles should also be funny. Many situations are hysterically funny simply in their very existence.
Big words are okay.
Hey, these are college students. There's nothing wrong with challenging our readership with complex thoughts, ideas and verbiage. Just try to sound clued in without alienating the clueless. This goes without saying. Yes, as in opposed to being wrong.