Visiting a College Campus
Things to Consider
You'll soon don your cap and gown, adjust your tassel, shake your principal's hand and accept your well-earned diploma. You're entering into the next phase of your life, which is exciting! But now what? Which university do you choose?
Deciding on your future college can be tricky, especially when faced with numerous glossy university brochures, all seemingly boasting the same amenities; however, nothing helps make up a student's mind faster than actually visiting the college campus itself. By exploring the campus, you are able to get a feel for the school, its layout and even its students – who could potentially become your future friends.
You must make the most of your campus visit, beginning with taking an official tour. While this sounds cliché, tours are designed to help visitors see numerous aspects of the campus in a timely manner. And they're usually foot-traffic friendly, meaning you and your parents won't be worn out by the end of the day. An added bonus is that tours are usually conducted by fellow students employed by the university, so they can answer those questions that you're just dying to ask, like, "What's the cafeteria food really like?"
Exploring a campus is a unique and personal experience. After the tour, take some time by yourself. Sit in the academic quad. Eat in the cafeteria. Visit the dorms and the classrooms. If possible, sit in on a class and take note of how the professors and the students interact. Pay attention to how the campus feels to you – the size, the layout, even the aesthetics. You'd be surprised what a difference landscaping makes, especially if your classes are across campus from each other!
Step out of your comfort zone and speak with some of the students themselves. They will tell you how it really is -- the pros and cons of attending the university in a way that the admissions office can't. Take note of what you hear and ask the students what they think you need to see before you leave. They might be able to tell you about a unique place that you would otherwise have overlooked, like a campus walking trail or a new art gallery installation.
Check out some of the bulletin boards around campus, or ask students if any extra-curricular events are taking place during the time of your visit. Depending on the season, most campuses offer intramural sports, cookouts, or other types of getting-to-know-you events. You may even be able to catch a student play or attend a science demonstration or a film festival. Extra-curricular events will give you an idea of the kind of activities that will be offered to you as a student.
Be sure to pick up a copy of the campus map and visit the places you're interested in. Visit the stadium, if there is one, or the basketball or tennis courts. Sit in the library and thumb through some of the books. Check out the gym and, if possible, attend an aerobics or yoga class. Poke your head into the health center or check out how big the campus theater is. Find out what the campus can offer you specifically, especially if you already have an inkling of what it is that you're interested in majoring in.
Speaking to an administrator at the admissions office is an important part of the on-campus experience. Have a list of questions ready. This is your chance to find out what a student will need to attend the university, such as financial aid or transcripts. It is important to find out early if there are any special requirements that you must meet before your acceptance to the university.
Snag a copy of the student newspaper as well. The newspaper will contain stories about the university – everything from recent renovations to changes in policy. This will help keep you abreast of information that you can't find out on the college's website, because the stories are sure to be fairly recent.
Incoming freshmen who will be staying on-campus should be sure to check out the dorms before leaving the university. Living in a dorm can be a crucial part of your college experience, and you want to see for yourself if the dorm has the amenities that you need – clean bathrooms, a friendly environment and security after hours. This will put you (and your parents) at ease!
Another important aspect of visiting a college campus is taking note of its surrounding environment. Be sure that the city offers everything that you need, and check out what makes the town unique. Keep your eye out for interesting restaurants, bookstores, grocery stores or gas stations – these are not only helpful for locating your basic necessities, but they may also turn into potential jobs. Additionally, a town lacking in these areas may not be the right fit for you.
Whatever you do during your visit to your campus of choice, be sure to make the most of it. Visiting and seeing for yourself what the university has to offer can help you decide if the campus will be a perfect fit for you during your quest to obtain a degree.
Editorial Provided by Kylene Cepeda, staff writer at the University of West Georgia.
