Many high school students face a crucial decision when choosing a university that aligns with their academic goals and interests. At university, you will spend three to five years learning and making new friends. Knowing what you are getting into is important. Therefore, try to visit the institutions you wish to attend to have a good idea of the academic programs, facilities, campus culture, student life, and the surrounding area. You will meet and talk to students, admission office staff, and faculty. Visiting campuses will help you make an informed decision for an enriching postsecondary experience.
When to Visit Campuses?
Though admission offices at most universities are open throughout the year, try to go when classes are in session, and students are on campus to experience the academic environment. If visiting campuses during that time is hard because of school or other commitments, try going during spring break or on a long weekend. Avoid summer visits, as students are mostly away, so you won’t get the complete campus vibe.
Visiting every institution on your list might be difficult because of distance, time, or financial reasons, but try to visit local campuses within driving distance. If you plan a vacation to another city, see if you can visit nearby postsecondary institutions.
Try to visit as many postsecondary institutions as you can as early as grades 9 and 10. During the preliminary campus visits, you can assess the kind of university experience you want or don’t want.
Final campus visits in grade 11 or 12 are helpful when preparing your list of universities you would apply to or before accepting an offer of admission from a university. You can evaluate if the university program aligns with your academic goals and whether you feel comfortable and excited on campus.
How to Plan for Campus Visits?
Before your campus visit, research postsecondary institutions and create a list of about six to ten institutions you find interesting. Explore each university website and write the information about the academic programs, facilities, extracurricular activities, housing and dining, and any other factors you consider important in your postsecondary experience. It would help you be prepared when visiting the campus and ask questions you could not find on the university website. If you would like to meet a professor in your intended field of study while on campus, contact them in advance. Ensure you give them time to respond to your email and reserve a time slot for you.
Once you have short-listed the institutions, schedule the campus tours you want to visit. You can sign up for a campus tour on the university website or contact the admission office to reserve a spot. Admission offices have set times for official campus visits, so plan accordingly.
Many universities offer guided campus tours and information sessions for prospective students. On guided campus tours, you will see classrooms, libraries, dorms, student stores, stadiums, gyms, and theatres. A current student usually leads the tour and answers your questions. These tours typically take one to two hours. Information sessions may be part of the campus tour or conducted separately. An admissions officer usually leads the session and provides an overview of the admission process, academic programs, and financial aid, followed by a Question & Answer session. These sessions typically take about an hour.
Discuss with your parents how you will travel to visit the campuses and how far one university is from another. Try to plan visits for campuses that are close to each other. A good campus visit takes two to four hours, including time to see the surrounding area. It’s best to keep campus tours to a maximum of two per day. If you are visiting a university far from home, make travel arrangements in advance and book accommodation if you plan to stay overnight.
In Canada, the Ontario Universities’ Info website provides a list of events offered by different universities in Ontario. Canadian Universities Events (CUE) hosts events for secondary school students and families in British Columbia to highlight Canada’s universities.
What to Take to a Campus Visit?
Copy of the campus map for directions. Note the location of the information session. Review the campus map before your visit to get an idea of the university layout. Plan which places you will see in and around the campus.
List of questions you wish to ask people on campus. It is better to have your questions ready beforehand so that you use your time wisely. Download a FREE COPY of "Campus Visit Questionnaire and Observations" for reference and to evaluate your impressions of different aspects of an institution.
Notebook and pen to jot down important information.
Camera or cell phone to take pictures of interesting things on campus. You can later use these as references when comparing universities.
Water and snacks.
What to Wear to a Campus Visit?
Dress appropriately and casually. Wear comfortable footwear, as you will walk for quite some time. Dress for the weather.
What to Do on a Campus Visit?
Be on time for the campus tour. Go to the admission office for their guided tour and information session. If available at the office, take a copy of the university view book and relevant faculty brochures for future reference.
While on campus, talk to as many people as possible—tour guides, students, admissions staff, and professors. Note the names of people you speak with, especially in the admission office. Get business cards from the people you meet. Ask questions politely. Do not ask for information already available on the university website or the view book. Refrain from asking questions about your chances of admission or financial aid eligibility. Avoid asking the tour guide any personal questions.
You can ask questions about their opinions about the university, academics, student interaction with teaching staff, course workload, housing and dining, student life, clubs and organizations, and support services. Try to note down as much information as possible while touring the campus.
While on tour, take notes of your positive and negative impressions of the campus, as you might forget them after visiting several institutions. The impression of one campus can easily get jumbled with others. Your notes will be helpful later when you apply to these institutions.
Campus Setting
Try to spend ample time on campus and the surrounding area to assess if you feel comfortable.
How do you feel while on campus?
How is the campus environment?
Does the campus have an attractive setting and architecture?
Do you notice any vandalism around campus?
Are the buildings in good condition?
Do the buildings have good air conditioning and heating?
Do students have bikes or cars?
Is there ample parking on campus?
Check the nearby supermarkets, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, hospitals, bus/train stations, or the airport to get an idea of the available facilities.
What is the surrounding city/town like?
Is it easy to get around the surrounding area from campus?
Campus Culture
If you visit the campus when the university is in session, notice what the students are doing. It will give you a good idea about the campus culture.
What are the students doing? Are they rushing to class or studying at the library, or do they have a relaxed approach by relaxing in cafeterias and lawns or chatting with friends?
What are the students talking about? Are the topics around academics, extracurricular activities, or discussions on different issues?
Do students seem to know each other? Do they seem friendly to one another?
Browse bulletin boards to give you an idea of the available campus activities and the campus community’s social and political pulse.
Academic Environment
Check with the admissions office if you can attend a class in your intended major. Observe the class size, teaching style, and academic atmosphere. If possible, meet some students after class and ask their opinions about the university.
Did you like attending the class?
Was the teacher involved while teaching?
How involved were the students during the class?
Did the professor’s teaching style match your learning style?
Check out the different labs, art studios, and other academic facilities.
Are the lab equipment and computer facilities up-to-date and in good condition?
Are the art studios and practice rooms well-maintained?
Visit the library and explore its resources.
Does the library offer free Wi-Fi, archives, and any special collections?
Are there study rooms for students?
Are there any departmental libraries that provide specific resources?
What are the library hours and checkout procedures?
You can go to the campus bookstore to see what is available, such as books, stationery, university merchandise, etc.
Does the bookstore appear well stocked?
Housing and Dining
Determine if you can imagine a comfortable living situation when touring student housing.
Are the common areas, rooms and restrooms clean and well-kept?
Are the rooms furnished?
What measures are there for the security of students?
Ask for a list of items you can bring and what items are prohibited at the dorm. Read our blog, “What Should You Pack for a Dorm?” for essential dorm items, from stationery to pantry items.
Try to eat at the campus cafeteria. It can be important, especially if you have any food allergies or diet restrictions. Check the menu and see the food choices available.
How is the food?
Do they offer a variety of food and options for people on special diets?
Clubs and Activities
Visit the university’s student office. Check out activities and organizations offered at the university and see if you find any you would like to join. If you want to play sports at university, see if they have the required facilities and equipment. Observe:
Is there a sports complex or fitness center on campus?
How well-equipped are these centers?
Student Services, Safety, and Support
Besides academics and activities, the university’s services, such as academic advising, career services, health support, safety, and accessibility, should be evaluated.
What safety measures do you see in place for students?
Do you feel safe on campus?
After Your Campus Visit
After your campus visit, review your notes and elaborate on any points that would help you in the future. Evaluate if the institution is a good fit for you and if you can thrive in that environment. Consider whether you wish to rank the institution in your list or would like to eliminate it. Ask yourself:
Do you see yourself living here happily during your course of study?
Were you comfortable around the students?
Does this institution seem like the right place to study?
Note if the responses of students are consistent, varying, or unable to suggest anything. Are they mostly positive or negative? Evaluate the answers, such as knowledge and skills learned, research or internship opportunities available, professional and personal networking, overall campus culture, and safety.
Don’t jump to a conclusion about a particular university based solely on your experience with a tour guide. You must weigh everyone’s opinions carefully. Though everyone’s journey and experiences differ, you must decide which university best fits you.
Consider sending a thank-you email to the tour guide, professors you met, and the admissions office after your campus visit. You can also ask them questions that come to your mind later on.
What to do if You Are Unable to Make a Campus Visit?
Do not worry if you cannot visit a campus in person because of time or money constraints. You can learn about universities through virtual tours, online information sessions, and interactive maps to explore the campus from home. It can be an alternative way to show your interest in an institution.
University Websites
University websites are full of information a student would seek. The academic departments, student life, admissions and financial aid sections are worth exploring. International students must thoroughly read the international student section of university websites. Universities post videos and photos of their campus, classrooms, labs, cafeterias, and dorms to help students have a good idea about the university. Read our blog to learn how to navigate university websites for more information.
Virtual Tours
Many universities host virtual campus visits and information sessions by posting videos on their websites or social media platforms. These virtual tours and interactive maps can guide you through the campus and provide details about the university. Another option is to explore university campuses via Google Street View. However, it might not include all the details and updated views of a campus.
Online Sessions
Sign up for online information sessions that universities offer regularly. These sessions cover various topics, from admissions and applications to financial aid, and provide an excellent opportunity to get answers to your questions. If you attend an online session, wear casual clothes and avoid distracting backgrounds and noises.
Student Newspapers
Many universities have student newspapers posted on their websites. Browse them to understand the student community and see if students are engaged in their campus community. Evaluate the discussed topics as it will give you an idea of what is going on campus and in the community.
University Representatives
Contact the university’s admission office to ask questions or any concerns you might have.
Mailing List
You can sign up for the university mailing list (email or post) to get the latest information regarding programs and admissions. You also get a copy of the university brochure explaining the university, its programs, admission, and application requirements.
University Fairs
Universities send their representatives to fairs to meet students and parents. Talk to the universities’ reps to answer questions.
In Canada, Ontario Universities’ hosts the Ontario Universities’ Fair every year, one of the largest educational fairs in North America. They also hold regional fairs and virtual information sessions.
University Alums and Students
Ask admissions staff if you can talk to or email a current student or alum. Reach out to them and request them to share their university experiences and any tips that can be helpful to prospective students. International students can contact current students and alum from their home country to seek specific advice. For more information on whom to talk to about postsecondary education and experience, read our blog, “Whom Should You Talk to When Searching for Universities?”
Guidance Counsellor
Your guidance counsellor is well-informed about postsecondary institutions. They can clarify your doubts and provide resources to find more information. You can also contact us at admissionelements@gmail.com or schedule a 1-Hour Session Package to help you provide information regarding Canadian universities.
Books
There are reference books and guides providing information on postsecondary institutions. However, be careful of their ratings of institutions and programs. Do your own due diligence when evaluating the institutions.
Social Media
Many universities have social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, which you can follow to learn more about the latest happenings on their campus.
Conclusion
Campus visits are important to understand an institution’s academic environment and culture. You can make informed decisions about where to pursue your higher education by carefully planning, visiting campuses, and asking thoughtful questions to students, admission officers, and professors to help you feel more confident when deciding which university to attend. Evaluate your wants within the context of each institution and understand if the institution will help you achieve your goals.
QUESTIONS FOR CAMPUS VISIT
Questions to Ask Students
Institution
Why did you choose this university?
What other universities did you apply to?
What appeals to you the most about this university?
What aspect of this university is the least favourable?
What makes this university different from others?
What do you wish you would have known about this university before coming here?
What has the university provided to set you up for your future?
Are there any specific changes you would like to see at this university?
If you could choose again, would this university be your first choice?
Academics
How easy is it for students to interact with professors and teaching assistants?
Are professors easily accessible for additional help or guidance?
What is the proportion of classes taught by professors and teaching assistants?
How many hours a week do students typically spend in class?
How much reading and writing are students expected to do every week?
How would you describe the academic pressure and workload?
Do you find it hard to balance your academic and social life?
Housing and Dining
What are the housing options for first-year students on-campus and off-campus?
Is on-campus housing guaranteed for first-year students? Is it required?
What percentage of students live on campus?
Which on-campus dorms are the best regarding facilities, community, and proximity to classes?
How are roommates assigned?
Do you live in the dorms? Do you enjoy it?
What is dorm life like?
Where do students live off-campus?
How is the dining hall food? Does it offer a variety of food and options for people on special diets?
What other food options besides the dining hall are there on campus? Are they included in the meal plan?
Social Life
Are students friendly and willing to help one another?
How do most students spend their free time on weekdays?
Where do students hang out on campus?
What do most students do on weekends? Do they go home or stay on campus?
Are there things to do in and around campus, such as movie theatres, museums, concert venues, shopping, outdoor activities, and beaches?
Clubs and Organizations
What are the most popular sports, clubs, organizations, and activities on campus?
Are you involved in any activity, and what do you like about it?
Transportation
Is it easy to get around campus on foot (from dorm to classes, library, dining hall, etc.)?
What transportation options are there to get around and off campus?
Is there any public transportation to/from campus?
Are there shuttles on campus?
Questions to Ask Students, Department Representatives, or Admissions Office Staff
Your Intended Program of Study
Why do students typically select this program?
How much flexibility does this program have with upper-year courses?
Does this program have any unique features?
What jobs do students typically pursue after graduating from this program?
What percentage of students find jobs related to this program after graduation?
Are there any plans for new programs/facilities in the future?
Are there any work-study options?
Does the university allow students to transfer to another program?
Does the university offer study abroad programs to undergraduate students?
Student Services, Safety and Support
What steps does the university take to help first-year students settle in?
What support services, such as academic advising, career counselling, tutors, and mentors, are available to students?
What support is available to students applying to graduate school, medical, law, or other professional programs?
Does the university help find part-time jobs or internships?
What safety measures are in place for students on campus?
What are the accessibility services available for students with learning differences and disabilities?
What health facilities are available, and how can students access them?
Does the university offer health insurance to students?
What counselling and mental health services are available to students?
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