How to Maximize Your College Visits

Imagine yourself walking through the quad, studying in the library, and heading to your very first college class — it can be hard to picture without seeing campus for yourself. So why not schedule an in-person visit to experience a school firsthand? Taking a campus tour and chatting with current students can help you get a feel for a school’s vibe and a real sense of campus life. Whether you have a dream school in mind or are still exploring your options, in-person visits can help you decide if a school is a good fit.

In general, you can approach college visits in two ways. You could go on college visits before applying to schools to help you get a read on important factors, such as setting and size. For instance, after comparing visits to a large university and a smaller college, you might find that one feels more comfortable than the other.

Option B? Planning your college visits after you’ve received your admissions decisions. This strategy reduces the total number of colleges you’d need to visit — instead of trying to visit a ton of schools throughout the summer and in the fall, you could visit just a handful in the spring.

College visits in the spring are just as valuable as those in the fall, so choose the timing that best fits your schedule. Whether you have just a few hours, a day, or a few days to learn all you can about a college, check out these seven tips to maximize each visit.  

7 tips for college visits

Do your research ahead of time.

Knowing what a school offers, from specific programs to campus culture, gives you a good starting point. Make a list of specific campus spots you’d like to visit, departments or majors you want to learn more about, and any areas of student life you’d like to observe or experience while there.  

Attend organized tours and information sessions.

Official school-sponsored events such as tours and information sessions are a must-do. Current students typically lead campus tours and can answer your questions while giving you a more in-depth perspective on college life. See whether you can attend an academic information session specific to your area of interest. Those sessions often allow you to meet department faculty, undergrads, or grad students.

Ask Questions.

An in-person visit presents the perfect opportunity to get answers to your most important questions about academics, student activities, on-campus housing, and campus culture. Be sure to ask about anything that matters most to you, whether it’s about specific programs, student resources, or the overall campus experience. Maximize your chance to gather firsthand insights beyond what you read online.

Sit in on a class.

What better way to experience a day in the life of a college student than by sitting in on a class? Observing a lecture or lab can give you a peek into the course content, teaching style, and student engagement level. You’ll get a feel for the academic environment and the chance to see if it matches your learning style and expectations.

Talk to current students.

Your best source of intel on college life? The students! While a single student doesn’t represent an entire student body, talking to a current student gives you a unique take on the college experience. Ask about their dorm room, extracurriculars, social life, and what they love (or wish were different) about the campus. 

Explore on your own.

While organized activities are great, save some time for yourself. Wandering alone allows you to reflect on your impressions without feeling pressured to stay focused or ask the “right” questions during a group tour. Pay attention to your comfort levels in each environment. Explore the surrounding area, too. A sense of the local neighborhood can help you imagine off-campus life.

Document your visit.

Finally, jot down your impressions! As you visit more colleges, you’ll want to remember the specifics of each school — what you liked and didn’t like and your overall impression of your visit. Take pictures and notes, record new questions for later research, and capture your feelings for each campus. Then, when it’s time to compare colleges, you’ll have plenty of references to compare.

Handling logistics

College visits can be really fun and exciting — but they don’t just happen on their own. Plan and prepare to ensure a smooth visit. For starters, consider your timing. The campus will feel more vibrant during the semester versus breaks. Consider the weather and climate. Of course, dress appropriately during your visit, but imagine the campus during other parts of the year — midwestern schools can get hammered by winter snowstorms, but SoCal schools feature year-round sunshine!

Check if your college’s website includes a calendar of events for prospective students and plan your visit accordingly. Tours and information sessions provide opportunities to connect with current students and faculty while offering a guided campus tour. Remember to check out public transit, if you’re using it, where to park, and other details about traveling to and from campus.

Virtual college visits

While in-person college visits are ideal, they’re not necessarily accessible to everyone. If you’re looking at a school in another state, a campus visit requires airfare, hotel rooms, and multiple days away from home. If college visits aren’t a possibility for you and your family, don’t worry — you can always visit virtually!

Virtual college visits bring the campus experience to your living room, allowing you to explore colleges from home. Through immersive photos and videos, you can wander the campus, check out housing options, explore different academic programs, discover extracurricular activities, and so much more. Many schools offer live and recorded Q&A sessions with current students and faculty. While all virtual visits provide a glimpse into college life, some definitely go above and beyond to deliver a truly comprehensive experience. Check out this list of 25 Virtual College Tours Worth Taking.

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to College Admissions here.