Whether you’re visiting a school close to home or one far away, an in-person visit can help you better understand campus culture, student life, and what matters most to you in a future college experience. Here are a few tips to make the most of your campus visits:

Start With a Student-Led Campus Tour

If possible, sign up for a student-led campus tour. The tour guides can share what day-to-day life is really like, from academics and housing to clubs and campus traditions.

Don’t be shy – ask questions! Consider asking your tour guide:

• What do students like to do on weekends?
• What’s your favorite class you’ve taken so far?
• How did you find your community on campus?
• What surprised you most about this school once you arrived?

Hearing current student experiences can help you picture yourself in a similar environment.  

If formal tours are full or not available, many colleges offer self-guided tours or campus maps. Walking around on your own can be just as meaningful, as you’ll often find that students and staff are still happy to answer your questions.  

Explore Beyond the Tour

Tours cover campus highlights, but it’s also worth spending time simply walking around campus. Check out the spaces like libraries, dining halls, and the student center to see where students study, eat, relax, and gather.  

Pay attention to how the campus feels to you. Is it busy or quiet? Spread out or compact? Urban, suburban, or rural? There’s no right answer, only what feels right for you.

Learn More About Admissions

Many colleges offer admissions information sessions in addition to campus tours. These sessions offer a great opportunity to learn what makes the school unique and gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Topics covered usually include the application process, academic programs, student support resources, graduate outcomes, and student perspectives.  

Beyond the information session, you may also be able to schedule a conversation with admissions staff or drop by the admissions office to ask more specific questions.

Check Out Community and Campus Events

Your college experience won’t be limited to campus, so it’s important to explore the local area. If you can, stop by local restaurants, parks, shops, or cultural venues to see what students do off campus and how connected the school feels to its surrounding community.

You can also check the campus events calendar. Attending a student performance, athletic event, or open lecture can give you a glimpse of campus life in action.

Visiting Cornell

If you’re interested in visiting Cornell, you can:

• Book a student-led tour through the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center or take a self-guided tour of campus.
• Register for a general or college/school-specific information session.
• Stop by campus landmarks like Libe Slope, the Cornell Dairy Bar, or the Johnson Museum of Art.
• Explore downtown Ithaca or some of the area’s famous waterfalls.

Remember, an in-person visit isn’t about seeing everything; it’s about seeing what matters most to you. Take notes, reflect on how the campus feels, and imagine yourself learning, living, and growing there. Every visit brings you one step closer to finding the right college fit.