Why Campus Visits Matter
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
We've all gotten used to making big decisions online. We shop for cars, look at homes, and research colleges from the comfort of our couch. College websites and virtual tours are fantastic resources, but there's one thing they can't give you—that feeling you get when you actually set foot on campus.
Think about buying a car. You can read every review, compare every feature, and watch countless videos, but at some point you still want to get behind the wheel. You want to see how it drives, how comfortable it feels, and whether it's really the right fit. A college campus is no different. When you visit in person, you notice the things that don't make it onto the website. Are students smiling and talking with each other? Do they seem rushed or relaxed? Can you picture yourself walking to class, grabbing lunch with friends, or finding a favorite study spot in the library? Sometimes it's the little things that tell you the most.
Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the Polar Bear Rugby Camp at Bowdoin College. While I was already familiar with Bowdoin from years of researching colleges through websites, guidebooks, and other resources, I had never actually set foot on campus—or even been to Maine! It was such a valuable experience. Not only was I able to attend an admissions information session with other families, but I also had the chance to eat in the dining hall (DELICIOUS FOOD, might I add!!), tour the athletic facilities, explore the surrounding town, and get a real feel for campus life. I even experienced firsthand how convenient the trip can be for students, flying into Boston and taking the Amtrak train, which stops just across the street from campus. It's one thing to read about a college, but it's another to picture yourself living there.
One of my favorite pieces of advice is to slow down during a visit. Don't just follow the admissions tour and then head home. Wander a little. Sit on a bench. Eat in the dining hall if you can. Peek into the student center. Walk through the academic buildings. Watch what happens between classes. Strike up a conversation with a current student if the opportunity presents itself. Those moments often give you a much clearer picture of campus life than any brochure ever could.
I've heard many students say they arrived on campus expecting to love it, only to realize that something just didn't click. Others visited a school that wasn't even on their top list and immediately felt at home. That's something no website or virtual tour can predict.
Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. It's where you'll learn, grow, build friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime. That's why it's worth taking the extra time to experience it for yourself.
Do your research. Watch the videos. Read the websites. But before you make your final decision, give yourself the chance to "test drive" the campus. You might be surprised by what your gut tells you once you're there.
Sometimes, the best way to know you've found the right college isn't something you can explain—it's something you simply feel.
How to schedule your College Visit:
-Go to your college's Admission Website (or search XYZ School Campus Visit). You should see a page like this where you can select and register for the day and time you want. Most campus visits start with a 30-60 min Info Session - I strongly encourage you to attend this!
-Plan out how you'll get there (driving, flying, combination). Let your student do this planning if possible, or at least be Involved In the planning. This will give them a sense of how easy or difficult it will be to do this if they wind up attending this college.
-Allow plenty of time to find your way around campus, park, etc., and make your way to the Admissions building.
-Plan for extra time to explore the town, meet a rugby coach, or explore areas of the campus you don't see on the tour.
-Take notes, pictures and HAVE FUN!!
Comments