Totally no pressure… but your college choice will have a major effect on the next four years of your life (and beyond)! It’s not just about where you’ll go to class. It’s where you’ll eat, sleep, meet people, grow up a little, and figure out who you are. While you can always make a change later, asking yourself some key questions now can save you a lot of second-guessing down the road.

1. What kind of campus vibe will I thrive in?

This one’s all about instinct! When you visit a campus, do you feel excited walking around? You’ll be spending the next chapter of your life here, so make sure the campus energy will ensure you can grow and learn. Do you prefer somewhere quiet and focused, or somewhere that is buzzing with social life? Do you want to know every person on campus, or do you want to blend into a bigger crowd?

2. How much can I afford to spend on college?

A dream school isn’t so dreamy if you’re constantly stressed about how to pay for it. Look beyond the sticker price and focus on what it’ll actually cost you after financial aid and scholarships. Financial aid offers can vary greatly from college to college, so don’t assume the most expensive schools are out of reach or that the cheapest are automatically the best.

3. Where do I want to live?

You’re not just picking a college, you’re picking a city, a climate, and a lifestyle. Do you want to be close to home, or is this your chance to explore somewhere new? Are there parks, restaurants, museums, or any entertainment near the campus? You won’t be in class 24 hours a day, so pick somewhere that has opportunities for you to enrich your life outside of the classroom.

4. What majors and programs matter most to me?

If you’re undecided and haven’t picked a major yet (which is totally normal), you’ll want a college that gives you room to explore. But if you do know what you want to study, make sure the colleges you are looking at have strong programs and plenty of resources for you to succeed in that field. Some schools specialize in certain areas, so take advantage of that!

5. What kind of housing experience do I want?

Your dorm will quickly become your home away from home, so put a big focus on housing when considering colleges. Do you get to pick your roommate or is it random? What are the housing options after year one? Is there shared laundry? Individual or shared bathrooms? How far away is the dining hall? Don’t underestimate how much your living situation can impact your college experience.

6. What support systems will I need to succeed?

College can be a tough transition for some. Whether it’s forming study habits, managing time, writing papers, or dealing with anxious nerves, it’s important to know what kind of support helps you thrive. Fortunately, many colleges offer support programs (both educational and emotional). Ensure the school you pick will give you the support you need!

7. How am I going to get around campus?

No two campuses are the same. Some colleges are compact, and some are spread across blocks. Do you like walking? Do you have a car? Is there a bus system in place on campus? What will your class route look like? Thinking through how you’ll get around now can help you avoid surprises and set yourself up for a more comfortable routine.

8. What opportunities am I looking for outside of class?

At a certain point, it’s time to leave the classroom and engage in hands-on learning. Are you interested in doing internships? What about studying abroad? Do you want to take up some leadership roles in the future? All these experiences help you build your resume and make connections. A great college should have plenty of these opportunities to help you grow.

9. What are my hopes for post-graduation?

Try not to picture yourself just in college, but also after it. What does life look like for the graduates at the schools you’re interested in? Are they going to grad school after, and does the college support that transition? Or are they going out and getting jobs right away? A college’s success isn’t just in how it teaches, but in how well it prepares students for the next step.

10. Finally… Where can I see myself?

After all the tours, comparisons, and deep-dive research, quiet the noise and try listening to your gut. Which college can you actually picture yourself thriving at? If a school checks all the boxes but doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to keep looking. Eventually, you’ll just have to trust your instincts and take the jump.

Remember: even if things don’t go exactly as planned, you always have options (including transferring). Choosing a college isn’t about finding the “best” school; it’s about finding the best fit for you.

Need help comparing your options? Our College Profiles tool is a great place to start. You can explore colleges and compare costs, majors, campus size, student services, and more, all in one spot.

By Gage Boardman