College Visit Checklist
As a college counselor, it is important to guide your students on what to ask during their college visits to help them make informed decisions.
Here is a list of questions to ask when visiting colleges:
Dorms:
What are the housing options available for freshmen and upperclassmen?
What is the cost of living on campus?
How are roommates assigned?
Are there any themed living communities available?
What amenities are provided in the dorms (i.e., kitchen, laundry, study rooms, etc.)?
Are there any quiet hours or rules to follow?
Is housing guaranteed for four years?
If students live off campus, what is the typical rent for a student?
Are cars allowed on campus?
What is the campus crime rate like and do you have any security protocol?
Is there a blue light system, night security, or shuttle system to help you get home safely at night?
Dining hall:
What meal plans are required, and what do they include?
What are the hours of operation?
Are there any dietary restrictions that are accommodated?
What dining options are available throughout campus and can you use your meal plan to eat at restaurants in town?
Are there any specialty dining options available?
How are meal swipes or points tracked?
How is the quality of food? (Be sure to eat on campus and check it out for yourself!)
Wellness center:
What health services are available to students?
What counseling services are available, and how can students access them?
Are there any wellness programs available to students?
Do they offer specialized stress-relief events throughout the most stressful times of the school year including midterms and finals? (Think puppies in the quad or yoga)
Are students allowed to bring their comfort animals to school?
School in which the student will major:
What majors are available, and how many students typically enroll in each major?
What is the average class size for the student’s major?
What opportunities are available for research, internships, or experiential learning in the student’s major?
How easy is it to change your major?
Can you sit in on a class and listen to how professors in your intended major teach?
Campus quad:
What events or activities are typically held on the campus quad?
Are there any outdoor study areas or seating available?
What is the size of the campus quad?
How friendly and welcoming are students as they cross the quad - are they on their phones or looking up and engaging with passersby?
What shuttle services are available to get groceries, go to a drug store, or pick up food from off campus?
Recreation center:
What fitness equipment and facilities are available to students?
Are there any fitness classes available to students?
What non-division sports are offered to students, think flag football, kickball, pickleball, ultimate frisbee, and dodgeball?
Is there a fee to access the recreation center?
How does the campus community come together? Is it around sports, traditions, arts, or other activities?
Academic Support:
What tutoring or academic support services are available to students?
Are there any study groups or peer mentoring programs available?
Is there a writing center, math center, or peer-tutoring available?
Are there any fees associated with academic support services?
How do class sizes impact the ability for students to engage with their professors - think Intro to Psychology can usually have 300+ in a class vs Intro to English?
Library:
What resources are available in the library (i.e., books, journals, online databases)?
Are there any quiet study rooms or spaces available in the library?
Is there 24/7 IT assistance in the library?
How many quiet spaces are scattered throughout the school?
Student Center:
What is campus life like?
Are there any student clubs or organizations based in the student center?
Is there Greek life on campus? How much of the campus community is involved?
What do students do for fun both on and off campus?
What is the vibe on campus during weekends?
Career center:
What career services are available to students?
Are there any job or internship fairs hosted by the career center?
What resources are available to help students with their job search?
Where have students interned?
How long does it take to find a full-time job after graduation?
What kind of mentorship is available?
Does the school use its alumni to help its current students find a job?
What kinds of on campus part-time jobs are available?
Remember, college visits and campus tours are an important opportunity for students to get a feel for the campus and learn more about what the college has to offer. Encourage your students to take advantage of this campus visit checklist and ask as many questions as possible. If you have any questions about the college admissions process, college tours, or even how to prepare for interviews do not hesitate to reach out to College Flight Path for support.
