a family visiting a college campus while choosing a college

Ultimate Campus Visit Checklist: What to Bring and Do

Last updated, January 22, 2025

Visiting college campuses is your chance to see the campus in person, imagine yourself there, and gather details you can’t get from brochures or websites. To make the most of your visit, it’s important to prepare.

What should you pack? What should you focus on while you’re there? This guide will answer all those questions. Our ultimate campus visit checklist lets you know what to bring and how to make the most of your time. 

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Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your campus visit in advance and research the school beforehand.
  • Pack essentials like comfortable clothing, a notebook, and a camera or phone.
  • Explore beyond the official tour to see dorms, dining areas, and student spaces.
  • Take notes and photos to help you remember key details.
  • Reflect on how the visit made you feel and evaluate whether the school aligns with your goals.

Why Campus Visits Are Important

Campus visits are the best way to understand what a college is like. Brochures, websites, and virtual tours can only show you so much. When you visit in person, you experience the atmosphere, explore the facilities, and see how the community feels.

This experience is valuable. Most students believe campus visits were the biggest factor in choosing their college. Being on campus allows you to ask questions, see how things work daily, and determine if the school fits your goals.

Visits also make it easier to compare colleges and find the one that perfectly matches your preferences. A school might seem perfect online, but being there in person can help you decide if it feels right. Seeing the campus gives you clarity and helps you feel confident about your choices.

Pre-Visit Preparation: Research and Plan Your College Visit

Planning is the best way to make your campus visit productive and stress-free. Doing your research helps you focus on what’s important and ensures you make the most of your time on campus.

Choosing the Right Time to Visit

The best time to visit a college campus is during the school year when classes are in session. This way, you can see the campus at its busiest, with students attending classes and events and using facilities.

Try to avoid exam weeks, holidays, or summer break. These times might not give you a clear picture of daily campus life. Look for open houses or special visit days, usually in the fall or spring. These events often include meeting students, professors, and admissions staff.

Creating a Campus Visit Itinerary

An itinerary helps you stay on track and make the most of your visit. Check the college’s website for tour schedules, information sessions, and events. Many schools let you register online for these activities.

You should also try to explore beyond the guided tour. Walk around campus on your own. Visit the library, eat in the dining hall, and check out the dorms and common spaces. These are the places where you’ll spend most of your time if you attend.

Write down any questions you might want to ask ahead of time. You can ask about campus safety, academic programs, or housing options.

Essentials to Pack for Your Campus Visit

Packing smart can make your campus visit easier and more productive. Having the right items ensures you stay comfortable and organized while exploring the school. 

Clothing and Accessories

Comfortable clothing is a must. You’ll likely be walking a lot, so wear shoes that can handle long distances. Dress in layers to adjust to changing weather, and pack a small umbrella for unexpected rain. Keep your outfit casual but neat, especially if you’ll be meeting admissions staff or faculty.

A backpack is handy for carrying essentials like water, snacks, and a notebook. If it’s a sunny day, bring sunglasses and sunscreen. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll focus on the visit.

Important Documents to Have

Having the right documents on hand ensures you’re prepared for anything. You should bring:

  • Your visit confirmation or tour itinerary.
  • A list of questions you want to ask.
  • A campus map, printed or digital, for easy navigation.
  • A notebook and pen to write down observations.
  • Identification, as some schools require it for check-in.
  • Copies of your transcript or resume, in case you’re meeting with admissions staff.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Campus Tour

Here are a few tips that can guide you through key aspects of the visit so you can make the most of your time. By focusing on what matters, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of the school.

Explore More Than the Basics

The official tour will cover essential spots like the library, dining hall, and classrooms. But don’t stop there. Take time to explore on your own. Visit the dorms, student lounges, and athletic facilities.

Pay attention to the little things. Watch how students interact. Notice if the campus feels clean and well-kept. These small details can tell you a lot about the school’s atmosphere.

Ask the Right Questions

Bring a list of questions that matter to you. Ask students about their workload, campus safety, or what they do on weekends. Admissions staff can answer academic or financial aid questions. Talking to current students is especially helpful. They can share honest insights about what life at the college is really like.

Engage with the Campus Community

Sit in on a class or eat at the dining hall if you can. These small activities give you a real sense of daily life. Take time to chat with students, professors, or staff. Most students believe talking to current students helped them make their final college decision.

Take Notes and Photos

After visiting a few schools, it’s easy to mix them up. Write down your thoughts right after the tour. Take photos of places you like. These will be useful later when you’re comparing colleges.

Things to Think About After Your Official Tour

Campus visits are one of the most important steps before you finalize your college search. Once you’ve visited the campus, it is time to reflect on everything you’ve seen and experienced. Organizing your thoughts can help you make informed decisions.

This is also the perfect time to compare notes, review photos, and discuss your impressions with family or friends. These questions will help you move closer to choosing a college that feels right for you. 

How Safe and Accessible Did It Feel?

Think about how safe and easy to get around the campus was. Ask yourself:

  • Did you feel safe walking around the campus?
  • Was the campus layout easy to navigate?
  • Were facilities, such as restrooms and classrooms, accessible?

Were the Facilities Up to Your Standards?

Look at the facilities you saw. Think about:

  • Did the classrooms have modern technology?
  • Were the athletic and recreational facilities satisfactory?
  • How did social spaces contribute to the campus atmosphere?

Does This Campus Match Your Needs?

Think about what you need for school and life. Consider:

  • Does the campus offer the programs you are interested in?
  • What kind of student support services are provided?
  • How does the campus community align with your values and lifestyle?

Here’s a quick look at the key factors to consider after your campus visit, ranked by their general importance. Use it as a guide to focus on what matters most when evaluating colleges.

CategoryDetails to Reflect OnImportance
Academic FitAre the programs and resources aligned with your goals?High
Cost and ValueDoes the cost match the perceived value? Are financial aid options sufficient?High
Campus AtmosphereWas the campus welcoming and comfortable? Did it feel like a good fit for you?Medium
Student LifeCould you see yourself fitting in with the campus culture and community?Medium
FacilitiesWere the dorms, dining, and recreational areas clean and functional?Low

Are Virtual Campus Visits A Good Alternative?

While virtual visits can’t completely replace seeing a campus in person, they still offer a helpful way to explore schools from home. You can check out the campus layout, see the facilities, and get an idea of what the school is like without visiting in person.

Virtual tours have seen a remarkable 258% increase in usage by prospective college students, indicating a growing preference for exploring schools online. With the right approach, virtual tours can give you insights to narrow down your options.

Where to Find Virtual Tours

Most colleges offer virtual tours on their websites. These tours often include interactive maps, 360-degree videos, and live sessions with admissions staff or student guides. You can also use platforms like YouVisit, CampusReel, or Niche, which host virtual tours for multiple colleges in one place.

Some schools even offer virtual open houses, live Q&A sessions, or webinars with students and faculty. You can visit the admissions section of a college’s website to see what’s available. These tools can help you learn more about the campus and its community.

Tips to Make Virtual Tours Work for You

With some planning, you can make virtual tours as effective as in-person ones. Here’s how:

  1. Prepare questions: Before starting the tour, write down questions about academics, housing, or campus life. Many virtual tours let you ask questions during live sessions.
  2. Look beyond the tour: Explore extra resources like student stories, campus event videos, and social media channels. These can give you a deeper understanding of the school’s culture.
  3. Take notes: After each virtual visit, write down your impressions. What stood out to you? What didn’t feel right? This helps when comparing colleges later.
  4. Do extra research: Use the virtual tour as a starting point. Check the school’s website, academic offerings, and student reviews for a complete picture.

What to Do After a College Tour?

After visiting a college campus, the steps you take help you decide if a school is the right fit. Here’s how to handle the next steps effectively:

StepWhat to DoWhy It’s Important
Organize Your Notes and PhotosWrite down your impressions and review photos or videos from the visit.Helps you remember key details and compare colleges later.
Compare CollegesCreate a pros-and-cons list for each school. Focus on academics, facilities, and vibe.Makes it easier to see which schools stand out to you.
Follow Up with QuestionsReach out to the admissions office or staff to clarify anything you missed.Ensures you have all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Talk About Your VisitShare your impressions with family or friends.Helps you gather additional perspectives to help you think through your decision.
Take the Next StepsStart working on applications or plan another visit if you love the school.Keeps your college search on track and helps you move closer to a decision.

Conclusion

Visiting college campuses allows you to see the campus, feel the atmosphere, and ask important questions. By preparing in advance, staying organized during your visit, and reflecting afterward, you’ll gather the insights you need to make an informed decision.

Each visit helps you get closer to finding a college that feels like home. Use this checklist to stay on track and maximize your experience.

About College Journey

Finding the right college is a big decision, and College Journey is here to make it easier. Like your campus visit checklist helps you stay prepared and focused, College Journey offers tools and personalized guidance to simplify the college application process.

With Alice, your AI-powered college counselor, you’ll get step-by-step support to tackle everything from GPA and test scores to essays and extracurriculars. Whether comparing schools, tracking deadlines, or planning your next move, College Journey ensures you’re organized and ready for what’s ahead. And the best part? It’s completely free to sign up.

FAQ

How far in advance should I schedule a campus visit?

It’s best to schedule your visit at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons like spring and fall. This ensures you secure a spot for tours and events.

Can I visit a campus without scheduling a tour?

Yes, you can explore the campus on your own, but official tours often provide more structured information and access to key areas like dorms and classrooms.

Is it okay to bring a parent or guardian to the visit?

Absolutely! Parents or guardians can provide a helpful perspective and may ask questions you haven’t thought of.

Should I visit a college more than once?

If possible, a second visit can be helpful, especially if you’re deciding between a few schools. A return visit allows you to explore more deeply and confirm your impressions.

What’s the best way to prepare for a last-minute visit?

Do quick research on the college website to identify key spots to visit and questions to ask. Keep your visit focused, and use any self-guided materials the college offers.

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