A guide to getting the most out of your college visit

Visiting a college campus can be one of the most exciting parts of the admissions journey—but it’s also a valuable opportunity to gather the information you can’t always find online. Whether you’re visiting as a prospective student or a parent, knowing the right questions to ask on a college visit can help you determine if a school is truly the right fit.

To help you make the most of your tour, we’ve broken down the most important college questions to ask—organized by category—so you can cover everything from academics to student life and financial aid questions. Think of this as your personalized college visit checklist filled with expert advice on what to ask on a college tour.

Academic Experience

Get a sense of what your classroom experience will be like. Academics are at the heart of your decision, so be sure to ask insightful questions about college classes, faculty access, and academic support. These are some of the best questions to ask colleges to understand the academic environment.

These questions will give you a clearer picture of how you’ll learn, who will be teaching you, and what kind of help you can expect when challenges arise:

• What is the average class size for first-year courses?
• How accessible are professors outside of class?
• Are most courses taught by full-time faculty or teaching assistants?
• Is undergraduate research common here?
• What support systems are in place for students struggling academically?

Campus Life and Community

Discover what student life really looks like beyond the brochures. The social experience can matter just as much as academics. Use this chance to ask questions to ask college students about what life is really like on weekends and outside the classroom.

Campus culture varies widely, and these are great campus tour questions to get a sense of the college campus experience.

• What do students do on weekends?
• How easy is it to get involved in clubs and organizations?
• What’s the campus culture like?
• Do most students stay on campus or go home often?
• Is Greek life a big part of social life here?

Housing and Dining

Your living and eating situation will shape your daily life—don’t overlook it. If you’re wondering what it’s really like to live on campus, these are essential college questions to ask during your tour.

Living conditions and dining quality can make or break your experience, so use this opportunity to ask specific, practical questions about housing and dining.

• What are the housing options for first-year students?
• Are dorms co-ed or single-gender?
• Do students get to choose their roommates?
• What meal plan options are available, and how flexible are they?
• What’s your honest opinion of the dining hall food?

Of course, take advantage of opportunities to visit dorms and dine on campus to get a first hand sense for how it feels to be a student at the college. 

Career Preparation

College is a stepping stone to your future—ask how the school supports that journey. Career readiness is key. A strong career services office and alumni network can significantly impact your post-graduation success. Ask these questions on a college visit to learn how the school prepares students for internships, jobs, and life after graduation.

• Does the school offer internships or co-op programs?
• Are there on-campus job opportunities?
• What’s the career services office like?
• How involved are alumni in mentoring or recruiting students?
• What are job placement rates for graduates in my intended major?

Student Support and Wellness

Make sure your future school has the resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional health. These are important questions about college resources that often get overlooked but can make a big difference in your overall experience.

Asking about support services shows you’re thinking holistically about college life—not just grades, but your well-being too. Take the opportunity to ask about mental health resources, campus safety, and overall student wellness.

• What mental health resources are available to students?
• How does the school support students with disabilities or learning differences?
• What kinds of tutoring or academic support are available?
• How safe is the campus, and what security measures are in place?

Financial Aid and Affordability

Understanding the real cost of attendance is key to making a smart decision. Use your visit to ask direct questions about financial aid, tuition increases, and scholarships. While financial aid details may also be found online, hearing about real student experiences can provide important context. 

• Are there merit scholarships that I should know about?
• How does financial aid work here, and is it need-blind?
• Are there work-study opportunities?
• What’s the average student loan debt after graduation?

Questions for Your Tour Guide Personally

Tap into your guide’s lived experience to get a candid, student-to-student perspective. Some of the most helpful answers come from real students. Here are excellent questions to ask college students to get honest feedback.

You might even ask about academics or majors to spark deeper conversation. These are classic examples of what to ask college tour guide or general questions for current students. 

• Why did you choose this school?
• What do you love most about being a student here?
• What do you wish you knew before enrolling?
• What’s one thing you would change about the school?
• How would you describe the typical student?

Final Tips for Your Campus Visit

Here are a few extra strategies to help you get the most out of your tour. These simple but often overlooked actions will help you remember what you learned, ask deeper follow-up questions, and ultimately make a more informed decision.

• Take notes—you’ll thank yourself later when comparing schools.
• Explore beyond the tour—visit a dining hall, talk to students, or sit in on a class if allowed.
• Follow up—connect with admissions counselors or professors in your intended major.
• Consider checking third-party resources like BigFuture by College Board or Niche to complement what you learn on your college campus tour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are good questions to ask on a college tour?
Ask about academics, housing and dining, student life, campus safety, support services, and career preparation. Tailor your campus tour questions based on your priorities.

What should I ask current students on a college tour?
Ask about college campus experience, weekend life, dining hall food, what they love most—and what they would change.

Are there questions to ask colleges that help with financial aid?
Yes—ask about merit-based scholarships, tuition trends, work-study opportunities, and how financial aid is calculated.

Why is it important to ask questions on a college visit?
It helps you uncover what brochures and websites can’t tell you—real student experiences, campus vibes, and how well a school fits your needs.

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