The Ultimate College Visit Checklist: What to Look for in 2025

A campus visit is worth more than any brochure or website. Walking the grounds, talking to students, and feeling the atmosphere helps you determine if a school is truly right for you.

Before Your Visit

Do Your Research

Utilize websites like CampusReel and Appily to learn about the school beforehand. Familiarize yourself with programs, activities, and campus layout. Create a checklist of areas you want to explore and questions you want to ask.

Register Early

Sign up for official tours and admission information sessions since they fill quickly. Registration also demonstrates your interest to the college - and demonstrated interest matters for admissions.

What to Bring

Pack your smartphone or camera, notebook, and a small backpack. You will want photos, videos, and notes to remember your experience. Bring a jacket or packable umbrella for weather changes, and definitely wear comfortable shoes.

During the Campus Tour

Take the Official Tour

The official campus tour shows the school at its best. While walking around, check out flyers and bulletin boards and pick up a school newspaper to get a sense of campus life.

Then Go Off-Script

The official tour avoids less attractive features. Take your own unofficial tour by wandering around campus. Find the library, first-year dorms, dining hall, and any facilities important to you. See them for yourself.

Key Places to Visit

Dining hall - eat a meal there if possible

Fitness center and athletic facilities

Library - check study spaces and resources

Career center

Student center and common areas

First-year residence halls

Surrounding neighborhood

Talk to Real Students

Ask tour guides and random students about campus life. Tour guides formally represent the school, so seek other perspectives too. Questions like how campus culture has evolved or what type of student thrives here reveal more than facts on a website.

Questions to Ask

What is the typical class size?

Do all first-year students live on campus?

What extracurricular activities are popular?

Do students have access to academic advisers?

Where do students go to relax?

What is campus safety like?

What disability accommodations are available?

Try Different Campus Types

If possible, visit campuses in different settings:

City, suburban, and rural locations

Small colleges under 5,000 students

Medium colleges with 5,000 to 15,000 students

Large universities over 15,000 students

Both private and public institutions

This helps you understand your preferences before committing.

Best Times to Visit

Spring and summer are prime college visit season. The summer after junior year offers schedule flexibility. Spring break is excellent because most college classes are in session, so you experience typical campus activity.

Avoid visiting during college breaks when campus is empty - you will not get an accurate feel for student life.

After the Tour

Record Immediately

After a while, visions of different schools start to blur. Immediately after each visit, write down your thoughts. Keep a list of pros and cons for comparison.

Gather Information

Collect financial aid information and contact details for follow-up questions.

Send Thank You Notes

A follow-up email or note to your admissions contact reinforces your interest.

How DeepCampus Helps

Our university search helps you create a shortlist of schools worth visiting. Filter by location, size, programs, and other factors to prioritize your visits. Our calendar tool helps you track visit dates and deadlines.

The right campus will feel like home. Visit enough schools to recognize that feeling when you find it.