Making the Most of Your College Visit: Tips from Going Merry

Embarking on a college visit is a pivotal step in your higher education journey. It’s not just about seeing the campus; it’s about immersing yourself in the environment, understanding the community, and gathering the information you need to make an informed decision. Here’s how you can make the most of your college visit.

Plan To Visit Early and When Students Are On Campus

You can usually visit a college campus at any time of year. However, to get an authentic feel of college life, plan your visit when classes are in session and students are on campus; often from September through May.

Many students prefer to visit colleges early to ensure they experience the campus with other students present. This will give you a true sense of the daily buzz, how students interact, and what the campus atmosphere is like. It’s best to avoid holiday breaks and exam periods, as these times may not reflect the usual campus environment.

Schedule A Campus Tour With The Office of Admissions

Hey future college stars! As you embark on your journey to find the perfect campus, one of the best starting points is scheduling a campus tour through the Office of Admissions. Trust me, these tours are golden! They’re often led by current students who can dish out the real scoop on college life.

Booking a tour is like securing a VIP pass. You’ll have a dedicated guide to show you around, spill the beans on all the cool spots, and answer your burning questions. Plus, touring with a group means you’ll catch those brilliant questions from fellow prospective students that you might not have thought to ask yourself. It’s like a bonus round of knowledge!

Now, if you happen to show up without an appointment, most schools will still hook you up with a tour. But here’s the catch—you might have to wait a bit for a guide to free up. And let’s be real, ain’t nobody got time for that! Scheduled tours are where the magic happens. You get personal stories, insider tips on navigating campus life, and the lowdown on everything from academics to social life to the best campus resources.

So, get that tour booked and dive into your future college adventure. It’s more than just a walk around campus; it’s your sneak peek into the next epic chapter of your life!

Meet With The Office of Financial Aid

Understanding the financial aspect of your college education is crucial. Ideally, schedule a meeting with the Office of Financial Aid prior to your visit. During your visit, staff can explain their awarding process, important timelines, and typical financial aid packages. If possible, try to meet your potential Financial Aid Counselor. Establishing this connection can be beneficial for future financial aid appeals or inquiries. Knowing the person handling your financial aid can make the process smoother and more personalized.

For Student-Athletes: Connect With The Coaching Staff

If you’re a student-athlete visiting a college, the approach to meeting with the coaching staff and visiting the athletic facilities varies depending on whether you are being recruited or are interested in joining a team.

For recruited athletes:

Arrange to meet with the coaching staff and visit the athletic facilities. This will give you a sense of the resources available to you and the culture of the athletic department.
Speak with current student-athletes to gain valuable insights into balancing academics and sports, team dynamics, and the support system in place for athletes.
Discuss possible institutional scholarship funding for athletes with the coaching staff to understand what financial support may be available to you.

For non-recruited athletes interested in joining a team:

Schedule a visit with the athletic department to tour the facilities and meet with the coaching staff if possible. This can help you understand the resources and support available.
Talk to current student-athletes to learn about their experiences and how they balance academics with sports, team dynamics, and the overall athletic culture.
Inquire about walk-on opportunities, tryouts, and any potential institutional scholarship funding for athletes, to see what financial and academic support options might be available.

Whether you are being recruited or not, these steps will help you make an informed decision about joining the team and pursuing your athletic career at the college.

Sample The On-Campus Food

Ready to dive into the delicious world of campus dining? Buckle up because your college life is about to get a whole lot tastier!

Picture this: you’re settling into dorm life, and one of the most exciting adventures awaits you at the dining hall. It’s not just about refueling—it’s a journey of culinary exploration! From savory to sweet, vegan to carnivore, there’s a buffet of flavors waiting to be discovered.

Swing by the dining facilities, grab a plate, and indulge in the smorgasbord of options. Dive into the cheesy pizzas, savor the made-to-order stir-fries, and don’t forget to scope out the salad bar for your daily greens. It’s not just about filling your belly; it’s about finding your foodie soulmate!

Got dietary preferences or allergies? No problemo! Most places offer a range of choices to suit every taste bud and dietary need. Whether you’re gluten-free, veggie-curious, or a die-hard meat lover, there’s something scrumptious with your name on it.

So, fellow food enthusiasts, embrace the delicious journey ahead. Explore, taste, and savor every bite. Your campus dining experience isn’t just about meals—it’s about creating flavorful memories that will fuel your college adventures!

Explore Off-Campus Areas

Hey there, future scholars and current campus adventurers! So, you’re thinking of making the leap to off-campus living—awesome choice! But before you settle into your new digs, why not embark on a mini-exploration adventure?

Hop on your trusty bike or take a stroll to uncover the hidden gems around your new college town. From the best burrito joints to that cozy indie bookstore, and even the local hangouts where everyone knows your name (well, soon they will!), diving into the neighborhood scene is like unlocking a secret level in the game of college life.

Why does it matter? Well, beyond scoring the perfect slice of pizza, getting to know your stomping grounds sets you up for success. You’ll feel more rooted, more in tune with your surroundings. Plus, you’ll be the first to know about that quirky café that hosts open mic nights or the farmers’ market that’s just a bike ride away.

So, grab your phone and start plotting your path to off-campus enlightenment. Whether you’re stocking up on dorm room snacks or planning your next study break, knowing your local haunts will make you feel like a true local in no time. Happy exploring!

Additional Tips For A Successful College Visit

Prepare Questions: Before your visit, make a list of questions you want to ask students, tour guides, admissions officers, and financial aid counselors. This ensures you gather all the information you need.

Some good questions to consider might be:

What do students do for fun on weekends?
Are there any popular clubs or organizations that you recommend joining?
How easy is it to get help from professors if you need it?
What’s the food like on campus? Are there diverse dining options?
Can you tell me about the campus safety measures in place?
How accessible are the campus facilities, like the gym and library?
What kind of support does the university offer for career planning and job placements?
Are there opportunities for internships or research within my field of interest?
How does the school support students’ mental health and well-being?
What are the housing options like, and how does the roommate selection process work?

Take Notes and Photos: Document your visit with notes and photos. This will help you remember details and compare different campuses after multiple visits.

Attend A Class: If possible, sit in on a class to get a sense of the academic environment and teaching style.

Stay Overnight: Some colleges offer overnight programs where prospective students can stay in a dorm with a current student. This can provide a deeper understanding of campus life. In fact, some universities will even reimburse you for travel expenses involved with your visit if you become a student at their college.

Visiting a college is more than just seeing the buildings; it’s about feeling the vibe, understanding the community, and envisioning yourself there. By planning ahead and engaging with different aspects of the campus, you can make the most of your visit and gain the insights needed to make a well-informed decision about your future college home.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

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Daniel Bod

Writer at Going Merry

Daniel Bod is a seasoned higher education professional with two decades of expertise in financial aid. He began his career at Hofstra University in 2004, after completing his Bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University in 2000, where he provided comprehensive financial aid support to families from diverse backgrounds. In 2007, he transitioned to LIU Post and advanced to Senior Assistant Director of Enrollment Services, dedicating over ten years to assisting students and families in various capacities. During his tenure at LIU Post, Daniel also earned a Master's degree in Childhood Education. Transitioning to St. George's University in 2019, he spent over four years focusing on the financial needs of medical students. Daniel excels in advising on loan options and empowering students and families to make informed decisions about educational finances.

Making The Most of Your College Visit: A Comprehensive Guide For Prospective Students and Families