25 Places to See on College Campus Visits

Getting a first-hand look is key A college campus visit is one of the bulk critical parts of the college search journey While researching a school through brochures and websites or taking a virtual tour can give you good insight walking the grounds talking to students and seeing the facilities in person gives you a real sense of whether a school is a good fit for you But while it s tempting to just tour the residence and dining halls there s much more to explore during your time on campus To get the full picture and make the majority of your visit make sure you check out these key places Admissions Office For selected students the admissions office may be the best first step on a campus visit says Justin Neiman founder of admissions consulting firm Selective Admissions This is where you ll get all your information for applications scholarships deadlines and special programs Admissions staff can explain application processes and what the school values in students such as academic strengths extracurricular involvement and personal character If you haven t applied yet your visit may count as demonstrated interest which can work in your favor during the review process Be ready with questions and grab materials you can review later when narrowing your list experts say as this information can help you make more informed decisions Residence Halls Your residence hall will be your home base especially since a large number of schools require students to live on campus for at least a year or two Ask to see both freshman and upperclassman housing during your visit and don t forget to check out lounges investigation rooms kitchens and laundry facilities Certain schools offer suite-style living while others offer more traditional rooms Ask students about what it s like living there Do they feel safe Is it social or quiet Also ask about housing guarantees costs and how the roommate assignment process works This is the best way to get a pulse on apprentice life and what participant custom is really like because that s where students spend the majority of their time Neiman says Attendee Union Building The pupil union building is where campus life truly comes alive and is often considered the heart of scholar activity This central hub typically houses learner organizations meeting spaces food courts cafeterias examination lounges and championship rooms creating a space where students can relax socialize and get involved outside of class You may also find offices for trainee ruling body multicultural affairs learner engagement or campus initiatives which coordinate events and provide promotion for communities on campus Observe how students use the space whether they re studying chatting holding meetings or grabbing a bite to eat Is it buzzing with activity or noticeably quiet The atmosphere of the trainee union offers valuable insight into how engaged connected and vibrant the pupil body is on a daily basis experts say Religious and Cultural Centers Cultural and identity-based centers assistance diversity and inclusion on campus They may be tailored to different racial cultural religious or international communities These centers offer events advocacy mentorship and safe spaces for students to connect Even if you don t personally identify with a specific group a strong presence of cultural centers indicates a school that values novice encouragement equity and vibrant campus life experts say I think it s central for students who are going to a school where they don t know anyone they re out of town to go somewhere where they can establish specific connection says Von Harden vice president of college access programs at CE Tours which organizes college tours for school groups Dining Halls and Other Food Spots You ll likely eat the greater part of your meals on campus especially if your school requires you to purchase a meal plan The college tour is a great time to see available options If you have a dietary restriction enjoy certain cuisines or prefer to eat healthy it s fundamental to make sure the school can cater to your requirements Additionally visiting the school s dining hall is a great way to see how students interact with each other and to chat with them about what they like and dislike about the school including the food options says Colleen Paparella founder of DC College Counseling an independent company that provides guidance to students navigating the admissions process Harden recommends also exploring alternative eating options Libraries The library is more than a place for books It s a hub for studying research and collaboration Check out the review spaces computer labs tutoring centers and quiet reading rooms in each library bulk universities have several Check the open hours and whether group inquiry rooms and apparatus tools are available Plenty of libraries also host events workshops and writing centers Whether you prefer quiet corners or collaborative areas you ll want a library that fits your investigation style experts say Also check out graduate school libraries Paparella says If there s a law school or business school library those can be cool places to go and scrutiny that most of undergraduate students wouldn t think about but it s nice to see what the alternatives are like Club and Organization Spaces It s critical to go beyond the main tour highway and visit buildings or spaces that house the sessions and clubs that you could see yourself getting involved with as a trainee Neiman says For example if you re interested in joining an esports association check out the school s setup and see if it meets your necessities If you re interested in the newspaper check out where the newspaper is published and produced Neiman says For a lot of students they re really excited about intramural sports Even if you re not a varsity athlete there s a good likelihood that you ll want to participate in intramural sports so you can visit the rec center where that infrastructure is housed and learn more about what that process is Athletic Facilities and Stadiums Take time to check out the athletic stadiums courts fields and training facilities These spaces can give you a sense of school spirit how much the college values athletics and how operational the sports lifestyle is on campus Ask whether games are a big deal how involved the participant body is and if the surrounding group joins in the excitement of tournament day Also explore where fans tailgate or gather before games as these areas often reflect campus traditions A lively sports civilization can create a strong sense of camaraderie and pride while well-maintained modern facilities show that the school invests in candidate life and the overall campus experience Fraternity and Sorority Houses If a college has an evolving Greek life experts recommend visiting a fraternity or sorority house during your campus tour even if you re unsure about joining Greek life can play a major role in shaping the social scene pupil traditions and philanthropic efforts on campus Visiting one or more houses gives you a chance to see how members live interact and organize events Ask questions about the recruitment process time and financial commitment academic advocacy and neighborhood arrangement involvement Observing the custom firsthand can help you decide whether Greek life aligns with your values and interests or is worth the cost Campus Bookstore The campus bookstore is often a hub for learner life In addition to textbooks you ll usually find school hoodies T-shirts gym gear hats mugs and other merchandise that help you feel part of the neighborhood and show school pride Various bookstores also carry instrument supplies chargers headphones laptops and utility with candidate discounts Chosen offer textbook rentals buyback programs and access to digital subject materials which can help you save money You might also find snacks stationery dorm essentials and other convenience items It s a fun and useful stop during your campus visit to see how well-stocked the bookstore is as well as how welcoming and student-friendly the school is Plus it s a great place to get a souvenir Facilities Associated With Your Major You may not know exactly what you want to major in but if you have an idea experts say it s wise to tour the academic buildings where you might spend bulk of your time For example Harden took his daughter to visit a college that was underwhelming overall but the building for her major was state of the art which changed their impressions of the campus visit Reach out to the academic department in advance as you may be able to schedule a building tour says Stefan Hyman associate vice president of enrollment management at San Diego State University in California For instance San Diego State s television film and new media department offers three weekly tours of its studio and facilities often in conjunction with larger campus tours Financial Aid Office Since cost is usually a major factor in college decisions it s crucial to visit the financial aid office on your tour experts say Each school handles aid differently so meeting with staff can help you understand what types of scholarships grants loans and work-study programs are available Ask about deadlines required forms and how aid is adjusted year to year Chosen offices also provide personalized aid estimates or can walk you through the Free Application for Federal Trainee Aid or FAFSA and CSS Profile processes Understanding your financial options early can ease stress and help you make a well-informed choice when comparing colleges and their affordability Visiting the office also helps you get a sense of how long lines usually are and if the office has good customer utility Harden says Academic Encouragement and Tutoring Center Visiting the academic backing or tutoring center can give you a better understanding of how the school helps students succeed academically These centers often offer a range of services including one-on-one tutoring writing help analysis skills workshops time management coaching and subject-specific group sessions Ask about how easy it is to schedule sessions whether services are free and what kind of academic help is available for your intended major Seeing how accessible and welcoming the center is can help you gauge the school s commitment to participant success Even strong students can benefit from extra aid especially during challenging semesters and final exams experts say Knowing these information are available can boost your confidence and make the academic transition to college smoother Career Services Center A strong career services center can make a huge difference in your post-college plans and overall professional evolution Visit and ask about internship assistance resume workshops job fairs alumni networks and graduate school advising It s also wise to explore whether career advisers are available to students early in their college career or only near graduation Find out how the school helps connect students to opportunities in their chosen field and whether there are industry-specific career coaches or mentorship programs A great career center is a sign that the school is invested in your future beyond the classroom Neiman says Different schools put in different tools into their career center Having an understanding of what types of support might be available to you would be really valuable Gyms and Fitness Facilities A multitude of students want to stay progressing during their studies and campus fitness centers will likely be your go-to spots Tour the school s workout facilities and see what s available from cardio and weight equipment to basketball courts swimming pools and climbing walls Recreation centers often offer equipment rentals outdoor adventures wellness programs and group workout classes like yoga or spin Specific have intramural sports leagues or personal training sessions A well-equipped recreation center can make campus life healthier more balanced and more enjoyable The cost of gym access is typically included in your attendee fees which are part of overall costs alongside tuition so you likely won t need to pay an additional fee to use the facilities regularly Robustness Services and Mental Wellness Centers Mental physical condition is critical to your success at college experts say Whether you need easy access to a clinician when you re sick or have a medication regimen you follow it s wise to visit the on-campus clinic to see what services they offer such as expert visits counseling mental fitness endorsement prescription management and crisis care Ask about wait times costs and how easy it is to schedule appointments as well as any partnerships with local hospitals or specialists Paparella says Chosen centers also offer wellness workshops meditation rooms fitness programs nutrition counseling and stress management materials Knowing encouragement is available when you need it can offer peace of mind and help you stay healthy through all the changes college brings Disability Advocacy Services Center Visiting the disabilities services office during a college tour is an crucial step for students who receive accommodations or endorsement in high school or deal with a learning disability Each college has different processes and guidance so it s helpful to understand what documentation is required and which services are available such as note-taking help extended test time adaptive apparatus accessible housing and classrooms and wheelchairs or other devices Meeting with staff can give you a feel for how supportive the campus is Even for students without a disability a well-prepared campus indicates there would be ready assistance if anything goes wrong like they break their leg or something that they do not anticipate is going to happen Paparella says It could be really nice to just see what tools are available Performing Arts Centers Whether you re on stage or in the audience the arts are a great way to enrich your college life and connect with the campus society During your visit tour the theater music hall dance studio or other performance spaces Ask whether nonmajors are welcomed to audition for plays join music ensembles or participate in dance groups Multiple schools encourage involvement from all students regardless of major Even if you don t plan to perform attending concerts plays and shows can provide a pleasant break from academics and help you stay engaged on campus Schools with a vibrant and developing arts scene often foster a strong sense of neighborhood creativity and expression contributing to a more well-rounded and fulfilling college experience experts say Campus Landmarks and Attractions Every college has a must-see spot plenty of have numerous Think statues and monuments that honor vital moments alumni or mascots historic chapels and libraries gardens and arboretums an iconic stadium amphitheaters and courtyards or spectacular fountains spires and bell towers Experts recommend stopping at these spots because they offer a window into the school s way of life values and overall trainee experience Campus museums are a good example Neiman says There are a few really historic pieces oftentimes that are stored there They are available to be viewed by the population If you go visit the special archives at a lot of these universities even if you re not an enrolled trainee yet and just on a tour it s very likely that you could get access to specific very historic original books manuscripts or other pieces that are stored in those archives Science and Device Labs If you re planning to major in a science or tech-related field like biology chemistry engineering or computer science make sure to visit the science and instrument labs Look for specialized equipment like D printers robotics stations high-tech microscopes or space observatories and telescopes Ask if students have access to cutting-edge utility and tools and whether lab time necessities to be reserved These facilities reflect the school s expenditure in hands-on learning and innovation If you intend to major in a hard science or engineering it s very likely that you will be spending a lot of time in laboratories of a few kind Neiman says Even if you re not in a STEM access to advanced tech can still enhance your academic experience Popular Hangout Spots Find the spots where students casually gather whether it s a coffee shop a sunny courtyard or a lounge with couches games and a relaxed vibe These informal hangouts can tell you a lot about the school s tradition and how students connect outside the classroom Feeling like you could see yourself joining in is often a strong sign the school may be a good fit Take a inadequate minutes to absolutely sit and observe as it can reveal a lot about the campus beliefs experts say The quad or main green space is also worth exploring since it s often the heart of campus activity Whether it s buzzing with Frisbee games and research groups or quiet and calm it reflects the rhythm and ability of everyday apprentice life Transportation Office Visiting the transportation office during your campus tour can help you learn how students get around day to day Whether the campus is sprawling or walkable it s critical to know the options available like shuttles bike and scooter rentals parking permits or populace transit partnerships Ask about routes schedules and fees especially if you plan to live off campus or commute For urban campuses it s helpful to know how easily you can reach grocery stores internships or social spots experts say Understanding the campus transportation system can help you picture how convenient and connected your life there will be both academically and socially Reliable transportation options can also influence your ability to explore the surrounding city get to events or manage part-time jobs with greater ease experts say Quiet Investigation Areas While you ll supposedly spend most of of your research time in your residence hall a library or academic buildings it s helpful to have a minimal alternative low-key analysis spots in mind Harden says These could be quieter more confident or totally more enjoyable places to focus when you need a change of scenery Your campus visit is the perfect time to explore these anticipated hideaways whether it be an on-campus coffee shop a private inquiry room or just a corner of the campus that you ve scoped out yourself as your own hidden gem ' Harden says Discovering a scarce less-crowded spaces can make your day-to-day survey routine feel more manageable and a bit more enjoyable Review Abroad Offices A large number of students plan to analysis abroad at particular point in college so visiting the survey abroad office during a campus tour can open your eyes to the global opportunities available through that college Programs vary widely in destinations length and focus so it s pivotal to learn what each school offers and how those experiences fit your goals Ask about financial aid credit transfers housing options language requirements and whether programs are major-specific or open to all students Specific schools even have their own campuses overseas or strong partnerships with foreign universities which can simplify the process Talking to staff can help you understand how international experiences fit into your academic plan and whether the school supports students before during and after their time abroad Off-Campus Surroundings Moving onto a college campus is like moving into a new home in a new neighborhood Harden says Take time to explore the surrounding neighborhoods and the rest of the city including downtown parks cafes or entertainment spots Find out where students hang out off campus what jobs internships or volunteer opportunities may be available and whether it s a walkable town or a busy city Consider whether it s an urban suburban or rural school and which suits you best All of that is going to have an impact on you as a attendee in your life Harden says This is your first experience picking a neighborhood for yourself and this college town is going to be that neighborhood for you Places to See on College Campus Visits Admissions Office Dorms and Residence Halls Aspirant Union Building Religious and Cultural Centers Dining Hall and Other Food Spots Libraries Club and Organization Spaces Athletic Facilities and Stadiums Fraternity and Sorority Houses Campus Bookstore Facilities Associated With Your Major Financial Aid Office Academic Patronage and Tutoring Center Career Services Center Gyms and Fitness Facilities Strength Services and Mental Wellness Centers Disability Promotion Services Center Performing Arts Centers Campus Landmarks and Attractions Science and Mechanism Labs Popular Hangout Spots Transportation Office Quiet Scrutiny Areas Scrutiny Abroad Offices Off-Campus Surroundings More from U S News How Parents Can Help the Adjustment to College How to Apply and Adjust to College as a Homeschooled Pupil Approaches to Help Your Teen With the College Decision Places to See on College Campus Visits originally appeared on usnews com Source