Touring a university campus is a great way to see if a school is the right fit for you. When I first visited the campus of my alma mater, University of Colorado, Boulder, I immediately fell in love with it. Later on, however, I realized that there were a lot of important things I didn’t think to ask or watch out for on my college scouting mission. Here are a few things you should make sure to think of when you tour a campus.
1.) What is the city like?
Does the thought of New York’s skyscraper lined streets make you feel giddy with excitement or completely unprepared? Many college students looking for a college want to live somewhere different from the place they grew up. Are you looking for a big city, a small town or something in between? University of Colorado Boulder, is one of those few schools that have just the right mix of city and country. There are boatloads of cool shops and restaurants, but there are also tons of trails, wildlife, and mountains. The atmosphere is small-town friendly but with all the trendiness of a capital city. When you visit a campus make sure to fully check out the city and area surrounding the campus!
2.) The Weather
Does the weather at your university really matter that much? Yes it does! The first time I visited University of Colorado Boulder was on a gorgeous fall day. I got to attend a philosophy class and loved every second of challenge and deep thinking. After class, I stepped out of the red brick building only to be greeted by mist and giant snowflakes. It was perfect and I was sold. I chose UCB that day. Boulder has about the best weather you can get. There are about 300 days of sunshine a year and each season brings something new to see. But what about schools where the humidity level is 100% or where the winter feels like you live in Antarctica? Don’t overlook this vital piece of information. Weather really does affect how we study and think!
3.) Levels of Seriousness
When visiting a campus, check out what the current students are doing. What are their expressions? Are they relaxed and enjoying themselves or studying like their lives depend on it? Some universities have an atmosphere of intense, competitive work (I’m visualizing Harvard.) Others have a free spirit, study what impassions you type vibe. This component of the school’s atmosphere is essential to your happiness! I loved going to UCB. I would say that it is in the middle to free spirit range. Students are serious about what they are doing, but they also shoot off for a weekend of snowboarding or let off some steam chilling on the lawn. When you are about to visit a campus, make sure to know what kind of seriousness level you are looking for.
If you’re interested in the University of Colorado Boulder, check out our article on 5 things to do on a Friday Night at University of Colorado, Boulder.
4.) What is the school known for?
Some schools are known for their history, others for their famous graduates, some are even a bit notorious. It is important to ask what your potential school is really known for. While you are on campus, ask a few students what they think the school is known for. Generally, the tour guide will probably give you a scripted answer. My school is known for environmental friendliness. Unfortunately, however, my school is also famous for being one of the biggest party schools in the country. I can’t tell you how many times I have said I went to University of Colorado Boulder and people raise their eyebrows and say “Oh.” So make sure you know your university well. Check out what it is famous for!
5.) University Size
Some universities seem to fit on a street corner while others can take a serious amount of energy to cross. When visiting a campus it is important to take notice of how big the school is and whether or not it fits your lifestyle. University of Colorado Boulder is a fairly large school and so perfect for those who love walking, biking, running and general physical activity. If you just happen to be a person who thinks of a 15 minute walk up a slight incline as a nauseating amount of exercise, you should think twice about going there. I can definitely remember a few times where I had classes so far away from each other that I had to take a bike or I would be late. Also add what you noticed about the weather to this equation. One of the questions I should have asked was “do I really want to walk for 15 minutes on a day with a -10 degree wind-chill?” Do not underestimate the importance of campus size.
Emily Harrah is a freelance translator and interpreter. She received a Bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Colorado in 2011.