Deciding what college you want to attend is a really big deal, so visiting colleges is a must. It’s crucial to get a feel for the campus, encounter the student life, learn about the academics, and more. But how do you know if you’re covering all of your bases while you’re there? Here’s how to make the most of your college visits.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
To get the fullest college visit experience, plan your visit early and around your future college priorities. For example, if you love SEC football and that is an important factor in your college decision, try to visit that university on a Friday in the fall so you can stay and attend a home game on Saturday. If you’re visiting in the spring, view other types of sporting event schedules like basketball, baseball, and gymnastics on the school’s website. Many colleges offer an official “tour” day, and some even have “College for a Weekend” events. Colleges often close for federal holidays, which can largely impact your overall experience, so try to avoid holidays if possible.
SET UP A TOUR (OR THREE!)
As a former student recruiter, I can testify to the importance of scheduling a tour in advance. Look on the university’s website or call the admissions office to see what tour options are available. There will likely be a specific tour offered with your college, whether you are looking at Engineering, Liberal Arts, Agriculture, etc., in addition to the general campus tour. Sign up for both, because one will give you an overview of the school and campus whereas the other will focus on particular buildings you might frequent and/or the curriculum you will be taking in your major and/or minor. Check to see if you can schedule a tour at other buildings on campus you might frequent too, like the recreation center or the residence halls.
MAKE CONNECTIONS
One of the biggest perks of visiting a college is that you are literally surrounding yourself with students who attend the school you are considering. Eat at the food hall, walk through the student center, wander around campus, and don’t be shy—make a friend or two while you explore! Ask them about their experience, as well as their favorite and least favorite aspects of the college. While everyone has a different experience, their comments can be revealing. It can be especially helpful down the road when you have specific questions that they might be able to answer.
EXPLORE THE TOWN
Some colleges are in the heart of a college town, and others are in the middle of the city. While the first year of your college experience may be spent primarily on campus, you will likely venture outside to the surrounding area at some point. The best way to decide if you’re a “city” or a “small town” kind of person is to see what each holds. Plus, it can be fun to peruse cute shops, vibey coffee shops, and other popular local spots.
MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME
Once you narrow down your list of colleges you want to visit, consult a map to see if you can knock out several visits in one trip. Not only will this likely be cost-effective, but it can also prove helpful as you compare each campus to each other with a fresh eye. Another tip to making the most of your time is to prepare a list of questions beforehand, and add to it as you go. Knowing what’s valuable to your college experience and what factors weigh into your decision can help guide your questions and your visit. For instance, checking with the financial aid office about the cost of tuition and boarding and scholarship opportunities might be extremely impactful on your decision and your visit.
KEEP NOTES
The more colleges you visit, the more they’ll likely begin to all blur together. You might find yourself thinking, “How did I feel about the campus again?” or “Did I like their dorm room style?” To help prevent a few of the million little questions you may have for yourself, jot down your initial thoughts in a notebook or your phone’s notes app. Be honest with yourself about what you like, don’t like, are hesitant about, and what makes you excited about the college. That way you can more fairly assess the colleges even if you aren’t viewing them the same week.
Remember: At the end of the day, college visits should be about envisioning your future. While it is easy to put a lot of pressure on your college visits, no visit will go “perfectly,” even if you plan it months in advance. Enjoy this season of discovery and have fun with it!
