One of the top ways to determine if any particular college is the right choice for you is to visit the campus. For students who are able, college visits help you get a feel for campus life, sample a university class, and have all of your questions answered. Below, we explain why campus visits are so essential, discuss when to start visiting colleges, and offer tips to make the most of your visits.
Key Takeaways
- Visit at the right time — Junior year and during the academic semester are ideal for getting an authentic feel for campus life.
- Plan ahead — Schedule tours, information sessions, and class visits in advance through the admissions office.
- Ask the right questions — Cover academics, student life, campus safety, and local amenities to get the full picture.
- Explore beyond the tour — Wander campus, meet students, and check out the surrounding neighborhood.
- Capture your impressions — Take notes, photos, and voice memos to compare schools later.
Why College Campus Visits Are Essential for Choosing the Right School
Choosing a college is a big decision, especially for students preparing to become first-time freshmen. Plus, high school students considering colleges may make this transition while also moving away from home for the first time. Thus, students must select a college that supports their academic goals while providing a culture and location that helps them flourish as they step into the next chapter of life.
What You Can Learn from Experiencing Campus Life in Person
Websites and brochures provide extensive information about academics, social life, services, and other opportunities colleges offer. No matter how many photos they include, however, websites and brochures cannot convey the true feeling of being on campus. By visiting a college, you get the opportunity to experience the campus culture in person and see what daily life is like by experiencing a day in the life of a college student for yourself.
Why Campus Tours Give Insights You Will Not Find Online
Apart from immersing yourself in the college and campus life, in-person campus tours also serve as an opportunity to learn more about a school. With hands-on experiences, tours, and meetings, prospective students may take a look around student housing, have a meal on campus, learn about campus safety and security, tour other facilities, and get a sense of where the campus is located. Additionally, you learn more about the programs and classes offered, the student-to-faculty ratio, and admission requirements.
When to Start Visiting Colleges
Depending on the year a student attends tours and visits throughout high school, they may experience different advantages (and potential drawbacks).
Benefits and Drawbacks of Visiting Colleges Early
Some younger students do not yet understand the importance of visiting colleges, but they may still benefit from early exposure to campus life and college. Visiting campuses during the first two years of high school helps students begin to envision what college might look like for them and what they might want to do.
On the other hand, while it depends on the individual student’s maturity level, a freshman or sophomore may not yet have fully developed goals and interests. As these change during high school, their experiences at college visits might become less relevant.
Why Junior Year Is the Prime Time for College Visits
The third year of high school is generally considered an optimal time to start visiting colleges. By their junior year, students likely have more developed interests, ideas about what they want to do for a career, and opinions about what they are looking for in a college. When you begin visiting campuses during junior year, you can plan visits for the school year, the upcoming summer, and even early during senior year before application deadlines begin approaching.
One drawback of junior-year college visits is that it tends to be a busy year for students, so finding time could be challenging.
Campus Visits for Seniors: Last Looks Before You Apply or Commit
Early during your senior year of high school, you may complete final college visits before applications are due. At this time, a student is as close as possible to knowing which academic path they want to follow in college, and this helps them identify and focus on the qualities that are most important in a potential college.
The main drawback of waiting until senior year to visit colleges is that time is running out for submitting applications. Not to mention, with homework, college applications, athletics, extracurriculars, and senior-year activities in the mix, the last year of high school may be even busier than junior year.
When seniors have already been accepted to colleges, they should consider attending their preferred university’s admitted student day. This school-sponsored event is designed for accepted students and their families. These provide opportunities for campus tours, campus life experiences, and meetings that deliver as much information as possible before students decide where they want to attend. A great example for this is former Post student Tai Pagan who attended multiple events both in person and virtually before deciding on Post University.
I felt that family atmosphere. You know the saying “Post Makes it Personal?” I genuinely feel like it’s true. I felt that sense of home.
When to Schedule Your College Campus Tour for the Best Experience
Timing your college visits right helps you get the most out of these days.
Visit During Academic Sessions (Spring/Fall)
The best taste of campus life occurs when school is in session. Try to schedule your visit for a day during the fall or spring semesters.
Times to Avoid for the Most Accurate Campus Visit
During winter and summer breaks, campuses are much quieter, some of the faculty and staff are not around, and you will not get the complete experience. In addition, scheduling a visit during the weeks of final exams (i.e., the last weeks of semesters) is not an optimal time to visit because students are busy studying and working. So, if you were hoping to meet with a club president or another student from your elected major, they might not be available.
Best Days of the Week for a College Visit
Given that Monday and Friday frame the weekend, they are the busiest days to visit a campus. While it might be easier for your schedule, tour guides’ and admissions counselors’ schedules may be booked full. If you visit on a Friday or Monday, be sure to book a tour and meeting well in advance. For a more personalized and authentic experience, try to visit campus in the middle of the week when most students are out and about attending classes.
Steps to Plan and Book Your College Campus Tour
Once you have decided when to visit, you may begin planning your college visit.
Narrowing Down Colleges Before You Visit
There are thousands of colleges and universities in the United States alone, so it is best to narrow down your list of choices based on your interests and preferred location. Look for schools that have respectable reputations in the field you wish to study, faculty who interest you, and opportunities compelling to you.
How to Schedule a College Tour and Info Session
Once you have a list of schools you would like to visit, use their websites to schedule tours or contact their admissions offices. Many colleges offer a regular schedule of information sessions and advisor-led visits (directed by admissions advisors or current students who work with the admissions office).
Plan Your Day: Tours, Information Sessions, and Campus Facilities
To make the most of your campus visit, select a time to visit when information sessions and tours are available. Then, find out what else you may do while you are there. Visit the buildings and facilities that were not included in your tour. Check if there are any clubs or extracurricular activities that interest you and try to attend a meeting or connect with a student representative. If you know what you want to study, see if you could schedule a tour of that area of the college or meet with a professor.
If you have time and are able to safely do so, venture off campus to get a feel for the neighborhood and the surrounding area.
Activities and Experiences to Include in Your College Visit
When you visit at the right time of year and plan ahead, your itinerary during a campus visit may quickly fill your day.
Start with the Official Tours and Info Sessions
Official tours and information sessions are an excellent way to begin your visit. These sessions orient you with the campus and provide an opportunity to get your questions answered. Throughout the tour and information session, make notes about questions and places you want to return to visit independently.
Explore Campus on Your Own to See Hidden Details
Next, take a stroll around campus to get a feel for what it might be like to attend school there. Visit the dining halls, athletic facilities, student union, and library—and, if access is permitted, the residence halls. Not all campuses are open; you may need security clearance, check-in, an escort, or a visitor pass through admissions or campus safety to enter certain areas. Scope out potential study spots along the way in publicly accessible spaces and outdoor areas.
Sit in on a Class and Meet Current Students
When scheduling your campus visit, ask an admissions advisor about sitting in on a class. They could help you choose a good lecture or seminar and get you in touch with the professor. Additionally, admissions advisors may put you in contact with students who could show you around campus and provide a peer’s perspective on campus life.
Essential Questions to Ask When Touring a College Campus
Thoroughly research the college you are visiting before your visit. Make a list of any unanswered questions you have, like the examples offered below.
Questions About Campus Culture and Student Life
Ask about the campus community:
- What are the campus traditions?
- What/who is the mascot?
- How diverse is the student body?
- What do students do on the weekends?
- Where do students spend their time?
- Is the dining hall food good? Which ones are students’ favorites?
- What are the dorms like?
- What clubs and extracurricular activities are available?
Questions About Academic Programs and Support
Ask about academics:
- What academic support services and resources are available to students?
- What opportunities for internships exist?
- What research opportunities are available to undergraduate students?
- What is the average class size?
- Are there opportunities to study abroad?
- What is the workload like?
Questions About Campus Safety and Surrounding Area
Ask about the neighborhood and town:
- How safe is the campus and the surrounding area?
- Are there safety features placed around campus?
- Is the campus open or close to the surrounding area?
- Is public transportation or a campus shuttle available?
- Do you need a car, or could you get around on a bike or scooter?
- What does the neighborhood and surrounding area offer in terms of amenities?
- Are there any amenities within safe walking distance?
How to Review and Compare Colleges After Visiting
During a college visit, you receive a wealth of information and experiences. Use a system to keep track of your experience and thoughts, especially if you are planning to visit several schools.
Document Your Experience
Take notes, voice memos, and photos that you may reference later and use to compare and contrast the pros and cons of each campus you visit.
Why Second Visits Can Help You Decide
If possible, revisit your top few schools and attend the admitted student events for the colleges to which you are accepted.
Discussing Your Campus Visit Experience with Others
Talk with your parents, family, school counselor, and trusted friends about your observations and gut feelings. Ask for your family’s opinions. Sharing your experiences may help you better understand your thoughts and feelings about a school to inform your decision.
Fun and Memorable Ideas for College Campus Visits
Throughout your college visits, remember that this is an exciting time in your life, and visiting campuses should ultimately be an enjoyable experience. Make it memorable.
Turning Your Campus Tour into a Fun Trip
Think of each college visit as a mini vacation. Experience the local food, see the sites, and take photos everywhere you go.
How to Visit Multiple Colleges in One Trip
If you are interested in a specific school, do a little research on the other colleges in the surrounding area. Try to schedule visits at multiple nearby campuses to maximize your time and give yourself plenty of options to weigh.
College Visit Checklist: What to Do Before, During, and After
With a bit of research, organization, and planning ahead, you could get a lot out of campus visits. They help you narrow down your interests, get a taste of college life, and determine which colleges are truly a solid fit for you and your aspirations. While planning, use the following quick campus tour checklist to ensure you have covered all your bases.
Timing Tips for Your College Visits
- Choose the right time in your high school career (like junior year).
- Visit during the fall or spring semester.
- Avoid final exam weeks.
- Avoid summer and winter breaks.
- Try to visit during the middle of the week.
Campus Tour Checklist
- Research schools and narrow down a list to visit.
- Contact an admissions advisor to schedule a campus tour, an information session, and a class visit.
- Be ready to take notes, voice memos, and photographs.
- Wander independently to explore the grounds and facilities.
- Spend some time in the neighborhood and town.
- Send thank-you notes to your admissions advisor, tour guide, professor, or anyone else with whom you personally engaged.
- Compare and contrast your notes. Share and talk through your experiences, thoughts, and feelings with people in your life.
Enjoy the Process of Choosing Your College
While visiting campuses and making important decisions about college may be overwhelming at times, keep in mind that it is supposed to be fun. This is a pivotal time in your life when just about anything is possible. To make the most of it and have the best possible time, plan early, stay curious, and trust your impressions.
Ready to see if Post University is the right fit for your future?
There is no substitute for experiencing our vibrant campus in person — meeting faculty, talking with students, and exploring the places where you could live, learn, and grow. Schedule your campus visit today and get a true feel for our community, programs, and opportunities. Your next chapter starts here at Post University.
Thank you for reading! The purpose of this blog is to provide general information to the reader, and as such, this information may not directly relate to programs offered by Post University.
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from enrolling in or graduating from any Post program.