Make the Most of Spring Break College Campus Visits
If college is on your horizon, spring break is a great opportunity to plan a school visit. Unlike the long slog of the application process, a campus excursion can be a lot of fun, not to mention a valuable reconnaissance mission. While it’s a particularly good idea to make an in-person stop at any college you’re seriously considering, even a quick, self-guided tour of a few different institutions can help you figure out what you’re looking for during your university career. If you’re contemplating a visit, consider these tips to help you make the most of your time.
Decide When to Visit
First, don’t worry about finding the “perfect time” to visit a college campus. There isn’t one. Although scheduling a visit during the academic year, when classes are in session, provides a more “authentic” view of any school, it can also be a hectic time to tour. It may require missing some of your own classes and activities, too. For these reasons, many students prefer to visit during the summer, when they can enjoy a less crowded campus. Keep in mind, however, that summer visits mean fewer opportunities to observe a class or visit with faculty. If the school you’re visiting is in a “college town,” the town itself moves at a slower pace when it’s not packed with students.
High school spring and winter breaks can be the most convenient and practical time for a visit. Depending on the campus calendar, it may be possible to schedule when students are in class and faculty members are available for appointments.
Research in Advance
A little advance research on both the campus and the town in which it’s located will help you make the most of your visit. A quick look at the website will give you the basics about campus size, academic offerings, athletics, fine arts, housing and student organizations. Most towns or cities have an official website that provides plenty of information about the area’s culture, parks and attractions.
Schedule Your Visit Through the University
If you’re able, schedule your visit through the university website. Most campuses offer different visits for prospective and admitted students. Sign up for the scheduled tours that interest you. If there is an area of the campus about which you’re curious that isn’t included in the official tour, ask about seeing it on your own or with a student guide.
Even if you visit during a scheduled tour (and especially if you visit when none is offered), take time to explore the campus on your own. Don’t forget the dining halls and libraries. You’ll likely be spending a surprising amount of time there. Wandering around the campus on your own allows you to more fully experience what it would be like to attend.
Check Out Campus Media
Student newspapers are a valuable source of information about activities, campus politics, culture and the general “feel” of the student body. Campus radio stations also provide interesting insight. Don’t forget to peruse flyers, too.
Talk to Current Students
Conversations with current students offer useful intel that you probably won’t get through the official channels. They’re much more likely to share their honest opinions. Strike up a conversation and come prepared with a few questions. Most students will be happy to talk to you about their experiences, providing an unfiltered perspective.
Visit Departments
If you’re interested in a certain area of study, make an appointment to tour that facility and talk to a faculty member, when possible. Sit in on a class or attend a lecture to get an idea of what that department is actually like.
What to Wear
Don’t overthink this one. No need to dress up formally, but don’t show up in your pajamas, either. Be presentable and avoid inappropriate or offensive clothing. T-shirts, jeans and shorts are fine, but consider taking it up a notch if you’re visiting with an admission counselor, financial officer or professor. Campus tours can last up to an hour, and comfortable shoes are a must.
Ask Questions
Although it’s impossible to know what you don’t know before you visit, taking time to think about specific questions you have ahead of time, and then actually asking those questions, is important. Some areas of general interest are student safety, financial aid opportunities, disability accommodations and recreational opportunities.
Keep an Open Mind
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Try not to form an opinion based on the bad weather the one day you visited or the less-than-delicious sandwich you ate on campus. If you’re truly interested in a particular school, planning a few visits at different times of the year can help you get a true picture. The more time you can spend on a campus, the more you’ll learn what it’s really like to be a student there.
On the other hand, don’t be afraid to trust your gut. Not every school is a good fit for every student. Most importantly, relax and enjoy your time on campus!
Julie Wenger Watson is a freelance writer who’s worked in all aspects of music promotion. She’s also Co-Director of “Live From Cain’s,” a public radio show pilot.
This article was originally published in TulsaKids’ March 2025 issue.
