5 Tips for a Successful Campus Visit

A campus visit is an opportunity to explore! These tips will help you make the most of it.

You've likely heard this advice before from a guidance counsellor or a current university student: visiting campus is one of the best ways to decide if a university is the right fit for you.

Before you arrive on campus for a tour or open house, check out these tips to make the most of your visit!

1. Arrive early and be ready to stay late

The last thing you want to do is show up late and miss some of your campus tour, so be sure to allow plenty of time for parking and traffic. It's also a good idea to leave yourself free time after your campus tour. You might want to explore a part of campus you didn't get to see on the tour or try out an on-campus eatery.

2. Come prepared

Campus tours are usually a mix of walking indoors and outdoors.It's wise to dress for the weather, bring an umbrella, and wear comfortable shoes. Tours usually run on a tight schedule, so you might want to bring snacks and water in case you don't have time to stop along the way.

3. Ask questions

Most campus tour guides are current university students. Take advantage of that! They can answer questions no one else can about what it's like to be a student. Looking for suggestions? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Where's your favourite study spot on campus?
• What was the most difficult part about starting university?
• What's one thing you think every first-year student should try?
• Why did you choose this university?
• What's one piece of advice you would give to a first-year student?

4. Book an advising appointment (if possible and necessary)

If you have a lot of questions about applying or admission requirements, ask the university if you can have an advising appointment before or after your tour.

5. Register for open houses

Many universities will host open houses, which are great opportunities for you to take a tour of campus and participate in other activities. For example, at Western University's March Break Open House, you can meet professors and students, attend mini-lectures, learn about finances, explore experiential learning and extra curriculars, and take tours of campus and residences.

Have fun exploring university campuses! If you'd like to see Western University's campus, you can register online for a campus tour or register online for March Break Open House on Saturday, March 14.

Good luck on your journey to university!