The Many Benefits of Campus Visits
Discover why campus visits are an essential part of the college search process and how to make the most of them.
I visited over 25 colleges and universities in 2024. Yes, it’s part of my job—but honestly? I love it.
There’s something about exploring campuses that sparks a sense of possibility and excitement. Plus, I’ve learned something important along the way: the “internet version” of a college—with its polished website photos and Instagram-worthy posts—can be very different from the real-life experience.
Here’s one example. Georgetown University in Washington, DC, has a beautiful campus. But what you won’t see online is that it’s directly in the flight path of Washington’s Reagan National Airport. Low-flying planes zoom overhead constantly, and during my campus tour, the guide had to pause every few minutes to let the noise die down before continuing their story.
Is this a dealbreaker for some students? Maybe. But it’s the kind of detail you’d never know without visiting in person. That’s why I often compare visiting colleges to trying on a new pair of shoes—until you experience it firsthand, it’s hard to know if it’s the right fit.
1. Get a Feel for The Surroundings
Every college has its own personality, and the only way to truly experience it is to visit. Observe the energy of the student body, the layout of buildings, and the vibe of common areas like quads or coffee shops or the student center.
Are students walking quickly, heads down with AirPods in, or lounging on the grass with friends? These small details matter. A visit helps you imagine yourself living there—attending classes, eating in the dining hall, and studying in the library.
Here’s a real-world example. I toured a college in Pennsylvania that proudly advertised its partnership with several nearby schools, allowing students to enroll in and take classes at those campuses. On paper, it sounded like a fantastic selling point—so many academic opportunities and access to other prestigious universities! But when I visited during what should have been a busy school day, the campus felt quiet, even sleepy. Why? Many of the college’s own students were off taking classes at those other partner schools. It was a surprising reality that wouldn’t have been obvious without visiting in person.
2. See Beyond The Brochures
College brochures and online tours are designed to highlight the best parts of a school. But a campus visit reveals the unpolished, everyday reality. Are the dorms comfortable? Are the facilities well-maintained? How easy is it to navigate campus?
Beyond the fancy buildings, you’ll notice the intangibles—like how welcoming students and staff are or the buzz of campus life. These experiences give you a clearer, more authentic picture of what the school is really like.
It’s also perfectly acceptable—preferable even—to go “off script” after the tour. Walk around the campus on your own and see areas they didn’t show you. Take in the neighborhood and surrounding areas. Seek out where students eat (college towns often have fantastic, cheap food).
3. Connect With People
One of the most valuable parts of a campus visit is meeting the people who make the college what it is.
Admissions officers and students employed at the admissions office often lead information sessions, where you’ll learn about the application process and get answers to common questions.
But, don’t miss the opportunity to talk to other current students—they can give you the real scoop on classes, professors, and campus culture. If you’re serious about a school, try scheduling an interview or meeting with faculty in your areas of interest. Building these connections can provide clarity and even strengthen your application.
Some example questions to ask of students you meet: Why did you choose this college? What has been your favourite class (and why)? What is something surprising you learned your freshman year?
4. Clarify Your Priorities
Sometimes it’s hard to know what really matters to you until you see it in action. Maybe you thought you wanted a big school, but after visiting a sprawling campus, you realize a smaller community feels more comfortable. Or perhaps you didn’t think the campus layout would make a difference—until you experience how it feels.
One campus I visited last year had gorgeous views and a picture-perfect setting. But it was also hilly, and getting around felt more like hiking than walking. Cycling to class? Nearly impossible unless you had an e-bike or e-scooter. While the scenery was very nice, the steep terrain could be a dealbreaker depending on your priorities, especially if accessibility or ease of transportation is important to you.
These kinds of details can make or break a school’s fit for your lifestyle and needs.
5. Boost Your Application
A less-known fact: some college admissions offices track “demonstrated interest,” and campus visits are one way to show it.
Schools want students who genuinely want to enroll there, and visiting campus signals that interest.
Bonus: campus visits can also help with essay writing. Personalising your “Why Us?” essay is much easier when you’ve explored the campus and can mention specific experiences or details that you heard about during information sessions and/or saw with your own eyes on the tour. Mentioning the brand new science building or the inspiring chat you had with a professor can make your application stand out.
Tips for A Successful Visit
Plan ahead. Book tours, information sessions, and interviews early, especially during busy seasons such as the spring. Also, schedule permitting, visit when classes are in session and students will be on-campus. The vibe will be completely different than if you visit during a time when no students are around.
Do your research. Look up campus maps, class schedules, and key spots to visit beforehand.
Get comfortable. Wear appropriate clothing for walking and being outdoors. If there’s a chance of rain, pack an umbrella. Eat beforehand, and bring a water bottle and snacks if needed. Removing distractions like being cold or hungry helps you focus and make the most of your visit.
Keep a log (use the notes app on your phone). Take photos. Jot down impressions, pros and cons, and memorable details. After seeing a few colleges, it can be difficult to recall what you heard/saw at each school. Write it down. You’ll thank yourself later.
Be observant. Pay attention to things like campus accessibility, student interactions, and overall atmosphere.
Getting Started
One of the easiest ways to begin is by visiting colleges close to home. Even if you aren’t particularly interested in attending these schools, they offer a low-commitment way to get your feet wet and start building your college knowledge.
Most campus visits follow a similar structure: a short presentation or info session, a brief Q&A, and a student-guided tour where you’ll see highlights like an academic building, the library, a food hall, and possibly a dorm. After attending a few visits, you’ll start to look past the formulaic elements and focus on spotting the nuances that make each school unique. Having these low-pressure comparison points can help you refine what you’re looking for in a college and prepare you for visits to schools you’re more serious about.
Junior year of high school is an ideal time to start visiting campuses. As you develop your point of view on what matters most to you—whether it’s class size, campus layout, or extracurricular opportunities—you’ll be better equipped to create a balanced college list.
Campus visits don’t just inform your decision—they empower you to choose a school that feels right, both academically and personally. So, why wait? Take that first step and schedule a visit to a local college today. It’s a simple but meaningful way to jumpstart your college search journey.