Spring is here, making it the perfect time to visit college campuses. Whether you’re just starting your search or narrowing down your final choices, campus visits are one of the best ways to find your right fit.
In a recent EducationQuest livestream, we sat down with Lindsay Wallin, an admissions representative from Southeast Community College (SCC), to discuss how students can get the most out of these visits. Here’s your college visit playbook, packed with practical advice you can use.
Pick the Right Kind of Visit
Most colleges offer different types of campus visits, including
- Individual, which are one-on-one and customized to your interests.
- Group, which offers a more relaxed, low-pressure setting where you can observe and hear others’ questions.
- Event days give you access to instructors and students, a tour, and usually a meal. Some schools also offer career-specific days, like healthcare or agriculture, so you can test-drive programs you’re curious about.
If you’re a sophomore or junior, those larger events are great for exploring. By senior year, though, it’s time to hone in, schedule individual tours with your top schools, and start checking items off your to-do list.
Don’t Just Tour—Connect
Campus visits are more than just looking at buildings. A great visit should give you a sense of what it is like to live and learn there.
Make a point to connect with faculty in your area of interest. Faculty can offer insights into day-to-day classes, career options after graduation, and program expectations. Many colleges are happy to arrange meetings with faculty during individual tours. If you don’t see an option on the website, email ahead to ask.
Talk to current students. Most campus tours are led by student ambassadors who can give you the inside scoop on campus culture, student life, and what it’s like to be there.
Ask them things like:
- Do you feel included here?
- What clubs or organizations are active?
- What do students do for fun around town?
Ask for What You Need
If you have a disability or need specific accommodations, don’t hesitate to mention that when you schedule your visit. Whether it’s arranging for a golf cart or meeting with the accommodations office, schools are ready to help—you just need to let them know.
Lindsay also pointed out that self-advocacy starts with the college visit. If you need something, ask for it. It’s good practice for college life in general.
What to Bring
If you’re ready to get things done while on campus, bring:
- Test scores (ACT/SAT).
- A list of dual credit or transfer classes.
- Financial documents if you’re ready to pay a deposit.
- A parent or guardian, especially if they’re helping with financial decisions.
That said, you don’t have to show up perfectly prepared. Campus visits aren’t interviews. The admissions team is there to guide you, not quiz you. You’ll leave with all the information you need to follow up later.
Get the Full Experience
Want to see dorms and taste the food? You usually won’t have to ask. At SCC, for example, housing is part of every campus tour by default, and students can grab a free lunch on campus. Other schools offer similar experiences, so students get an authentic feel for daily life.
If you want to learn more about financial aid or scholarships, ask to meet with someone from the financial aid office. Even if your FAFSA isn’t submitted yet, they can walk you through what to expect, how to apply, and what questions to ask later.
Trust Your Gut
When it comes down to it, the best advice is simple: visit more than one campus, even if you think you’ve already found the right one. Compare, ask questions, and most importantly—pay attention to how you feel. Do you feel comfortable? Do the people seem welcoming? Can you picture yourself there?
A website can only tell you so much. That in-person experience might be the thing that seals the deal or makes you realize a school isn’t the right fit after all.
As Lindsay put it, “If it doesn’t feel like home, maybe it’s not the right campus for you.”
Start Planning Your Visits
You can find campus visit resources, FAFSA tips, and more on the EducationQuest website. And if you want regular reminders, sign up for Countdown2College, our short weekly email with tips and checklists to keep you on track.
By Jeannine Phelan
Assisted by AI