7 Ways to Make Your Campus Visit Count
Visiting a college campus can be a thrilling experience, but with the stress of navigating new scenery and a jam-packed tour schedule, you might find you don’t get all the facts you need. Take the advice of these campus guides and students to make your campus visit memorable, worthwhile and one step closer to what’s next.
1. Speak Up
The most important thing to remember while on a campus tour? Be engaged. Don’t let shyness hold you back when the tour guide asks if anyone has questions, because if you’re thinking it, chances are someone else is too.
Conversations about the day-to-day life you’ll be leading once on campus will reveal more than just the stats you read about in the school’s brochure.
2. Bring Your Parents
Whether they let on or not, your parents are wary of all the responsibility you’ll undertake at college — and of their potential role in your collegiate finances. Inviting them to tag along on your tours – and being cool when they ask a lot of questions – will alleviate some of their anxieties and maybe some of yours.
3. Scout Out the Dorms
Some colleges will have a model dorm to show you on your visit. Jot down a few items that you like or will need.
Guides usually show one dorm during the tour, but this sample isn’t the only kind on campus. Most schools have premium accommodations and suite-style dorms, too, though your housing options might be restricted to certain dorms your first year.
4. Locate the Essentials
Countless assignments and hours of study time pile up over the semesters, so an ample supply of quiet study spots and printer-connected workstations can make a world of difference. Some big questions to ask: Is the computer lab always open? How much does printing cost? Do I have access to any software?
Check out the student life or campus activities office, too, for pointers on how to get involved on campus, make friends and find learning opportunities outside the classroom. And checking out the on-campus dining options is a must. Find out what’s open when, how much it costs and what options are available if you have special dietary needs.
5. Go Social
From Greek organizations to groups and clubs, you’ll be missing out if you don’t find out about the on-campus social (and resume-building!) opportunities.
You may not think of yourself as the fraternity or sorority type, but rush week can change all the perceptions you have about Greek life. If you have an interest in rushing, make sure to look at some of the houses on campus.
Don’t speak Greek? College campuses are home to loads of advocacy groups, student government associations and professional organizations within your field of study. Take a look around at what’s available.
6. Stick Around
A campus tour day trip can be overwhelming and exhausting, depending on campus size and the distance of your drive. Consider an overnight or weekend trip instead. That way, you have time to take a second stroll around campus and can experience the surrounding community while you’re at it.
7. Have Fun
It’s understandable to be nervous when visiting a campus for the first time, but focus on the excitement of the next step and have fun. The more relaxed you are, the clearer your mind will be to figure out the right fit for you.
More College Resources
Whether your student is just entering high school or getting ready for his or her senior year, it’s never too early or late to do your research. Little Rock Family’s sister publication, Arkansas Next, is a great resource to help your student plan out their next steps after high school.
From scholarship suggestions to information about degrees offered at all of the schools in the state, it’s truly a goldmine of information.
Here are a two more resources in particular to check out:
Arkansas Colleges and Universities Guide
Public, private and technical colleges are just some of the choices in The Natural State. This guide puts all of those post-secondary options in one place and provides information on tuition, enrollment numbers, application deadlines and more.
This guide lists all of the degrees offered in Arkansas — from accounting to welding — and lets you know which colleges offer them.