Make the Most of Your Campus Visit

Think of it like a test drive: research can only take you so far—to get the full experience, you have to get behind the wheel. Here are 5 tips to help you test drive campuses like a pro!

Test driving college campuses? Here’s how to get all the information you need, and more!

Choosing where to study is a huge life decision (no pressure). If you’ve ever tried researching colleges and universities, you know how overwhelming it can be to choose a school based on their website alone.

Luckily, colleges and universities want to make your decision a little easier by inviting you over for a campus visit! Think of it like a test drive: research can only take you so far—to get the full experience, you have to get behind the wheel. Here are 5 tips to help you test drive campuses like a pro!

1. Meet everyone
A good campus event will get you in touch with the people you need to know: admissions advisers, program heads and other faculty, student leaders, and academic coaching staff. Campus visits can also be greatly enriched simply by getting to know other current or potential students.

Take note of the people who might shape your campus life. Community and environment are some of the most important factors in #growth, so choose well!

2. Ask questions
Seriously. When you test drive a car, you’re prepared to ask about everything from fuel economy to cupholder size, and you should feel free to take the same approach to choosing a school. Bring your questions and actively seek out answers. Ask tour guides where to find the best coffee on campus, ask professors what classes you need to take, and most importantly, ask students what they like about their campus (this is the test drive equivalent of consumer reviews).

3. Take every opportunity
We can’t emphasize this enough. Is there an open lecture taking place? A campus tour? A student-led panel discussion? Program presentations? Chapel? A booth with free pens? Go there!

4. Find your niche
Just like getting comfy in the drivers’ seat of a new (or used… or really used) car, you need to figure out how you might fit on campus. What is the environment like? Could you transition here smoothly?

Campus tours are great, but sometimes you need to wander off the beaten path to picture yourself at a school. Check out the gym, the residences, the music wing, art studios, or anything else that interests you. Look at posters on the walls, check out the coffee situation, and generally try to get a sense of what your everyday could look like on campus.

5. Take the leap
Whether it’s buying a car or registering for college, every major life decision has a tipping point. As much as you can research, ask questions, and explore a campus, the reality is that there will always be unknowns. You’re already making a good decision by pursuing further education – don’t let all the options out there keep you from making an informed choice!

Looking for a Christ-centred, community-focused campus? We want to meet you, answer your questions, and help you find yourself at Briercrest! Visit us at an Experience Briercrest College event to learn more.