Choosing which college to attend is a big deal. Not every university is the same.
While you can read about their course offerings online, you won’t be able to learn as much about what the campus is like unless you actually visit in person.
Some have amazing facilities and great offerings for students. Others do not. Overall, if you are considering a school to attend, you should certainly tour its campus before you make a decision.
Here is what to look for when touring universities.
Dorms and Housing
While attending a university will be an educational experience, it will also include moving out of your parent’s home and into a completely new living environment for a period of years.
One thing you should certainly examine on your visit to any college campus is the dorms or other housing you will be potentially living in. Make sure to actually get a view inside the rooms to get an idea of what your potential living space will be like.
Examine the other facilities such as showers and communal areas in those dorms or housing as well. Also, keep in mind that23 percent of college students live in off-campus housing built for the school.
The Students
Your social group will also be changing when you start your college education as well. The students who attend a specific school are also worth investigating as well.
During your visit, try to chat with some students and ask what they think about the school. The answers you receive can be quite helpful.
Also, investigate the existence of clubs or associations you could join to help you better adjust to being a newcomer on campus. If you are interested in it, investigate the campus Greek life as well. Your social life will be a very important part of your college experience.
Lecture Halls and Classrooms
The time you spend learning is of course the most important aspect of the college experience. A university should have adequate facilities to provide the necessary environment for that learning.
Make sure to visit different lecture halls and classrooms where you could be spending your time listening to professors, taking tests, and discussing with classmates.
Is there enough space? Are they updated in regards to the needs of modern students? Will you be provided with computers, or are you expected to bring your own? There are many different factors to consider.
High-Quality Lab Equipment
You also have to consider the facilities and equipment made available to students in different degree programs. If you want to pursue a career in microbiology, or another related science, you will certainly want to have a look at the microbiology lab equipment and facilities that are available.
Make sure the laboratories you visit are adequate in regards to the kind of hands-on experience and training you want to receive on campus.
Having a lab is one thing, but do they also have good lab equipment? Do they have equipment such as homogenizers, shakers and bench mixers? It’s worth investigating.
Dining Options
Studying and socializing are of course what people typically think of when they consider different college campuses. However, you will also be eating most of your meals on that campus as well.
It’s worth investigating the different dining options on campus. Make sure to have at least one meal on campus while you visit.
These days, the dining options offered at most universities tend to be extremely varied to meet the needs of students from different cultures and those with different dietary restrictions. However, some schools do indeed serve better food than others.
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The Surrounding Community
You probably won’t be spending all your time on campus. Sometimes, you will venture off of campus alone or with friends. Check out the surrounding neighborhood.
Does it look safe? Even if the campus itself is great, you may not want to attend school there if the surrounding community has a high crime rate.
Check out the options for shopping, dining, and entertainment in that neighborhood as well. Certain campuses are surrounded by various offerings from businesses that cater to students. Others, however, are in smaller towns that do not offer as much off-campus.
The most important thing about a college education is the degree and career you expect to get out of it. However, there are many other factors you need to consider as well.
What is available to students on a particular college campus matters a great deal. Make sure to visit the campus of any university you are seriously considering applying to.
Image Credit: what to look for when touring universities by twenty20.com
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INTRO: preparing for the college planning calendar (part of HS college calendar)
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