Finding the Right College Starts with Asking the Right Questions

A college campus visit isn’t just about seeing the library or snapping a few photos of the quad. It’s your opportunity to figure out if a school really feels like a place you want to be. Websites and brochures are helpful, but they don’t tell you what day-to-day college student life is actually like. That’s where your questions come in.

If you’re wondering how to choose a college or what to look for in a college, the best insights often come from what you see, hear, and feel in person. A visit can be one of the most valuable steps in your college search process.

Asking the right college visit questions can help you learn what you can’t find online. And more importantly, they can help you picture your future there. Here are some question ideas to guide your visit, grouped by topic so you can focus on what matters most to you.

1) Academics

You’ll spend a lot of your time in class, so it’s worth finding out what that experience looks like. What’s the learning style? How available are professors? Will you feel supported if you need help?

Questions:

• What’s the average class size for first-year students?
• Can you meet with professors outside of class easily?
• Do students get to work on projects or research with faculty?
• Is it possible to switch majors if I’m not sure yet?
• Are there any professors or classes that students always talk about?

2) Campus Culture

Every school has its own personality. Campus culture is about the energy of the place, the values people care about, and the ways students connect with each other. The more you learn about the college atmosphere, the easier it will be to know if you’ll feel like you fit in.

Questions:

• What do students usually do on the weekends?
• Do most students stay on campus on weekends or do they go home?
• Are there events or traditions most students look forward to?
• Is school spirit a big part of campus life?
• How welcoming is the campus for students from different backgrounds?
• What’s something that makes this school feel different from others?

Also, take a moment to think about what life is like just beyond campus. If you’re visiting on a rainy or quiet day, it might not show you the full picture. Ask about what the weather is typically like or what students do when the sun is out. Does it snow a lot? If you’re not a fan of cold weather, that’s worth knowing now, not later.

And don’t forget to ask about things like Greek life, parties, or what students do for fun off campus. At a small school, the biggest entertainment might seem like a Taco Bell or a Walmart nearby, but the real story could be that the campus itself is packed with concerts, game nights, student performances, and late-night events that don’t make it into the brochures. Getting the full picture helps you understand how students make the most of their time, both on campus and around it.

3) Student Life

College student life is more than just academics. Clubs, social activities, and everyday life between classes all shape your experience. Ask questions that help you picture what your daily routine might feel like.

Questions:

• Is it easy to make friends as a first-year student?
• What kinds of student organizations are popular?
• Where do students go to hang out or study outside the library?
• What’s the housing situation like after your first year?
• Are there fun or relaxing spaces around campus?

4) Support and Services

Everyone needs support sometimes, whether it’s academic, emotional, or practical. A good college will have resources that help you thrive, not just survive.

Questions:

• What tutoring or academic support is available if I need help?
• Is there a wellness center or counseling office on campus?
• Are there programs for first-gen, transfer, or international students?
• How helpful is career services when it comes to internships and job planning?
• Who do students usually go to when they’re having a tough time?

5) Life After College

It might seem early to think about what happens after graduation, but a good college prepares you for what comes next. These questions can help you explore how the school supports students in reaching their goals.

Questions:

• What kinds of internships do students usually get?
• Are there career fairs or networking events on campus?
• How involved are alumni in helping current students?
• What’s the job placement rate for graduates?
• Are there leadership or mentorship programs for undergrads?

6) Ask Real Students

Some of the most helpful information comes from current students. If your campus tour is led by a student or you get the chance to chat with one casually, take the opportunity. They’ve been where you are and can speak honestly about their experience.

Questions:

• What surprised you about this school after you started here?
• Why did you decide to stay?
• If you could change one thing about this place, what would it be?
• What’s your favorite part of being a student here?

Having honest conversations is one of the most important college decision tips. They also make your college exploration feel more personal and less overwhelming. St. John’s University offers a chat tool to connect directly with students from various majors and countries, giving you firsthand insight into what the academics and campus experience are like. 

Quick College Visit Checklist

Not sure how to prepare for a college visit? A little planning can go a long way. Bringing the right questions and being ready to take notes will help you remember what stood out, and give you more confidence when it’s time to compare schools. 

Make the most of your college tour preparation by having this simple campus tour checklist handy:

• Bring a list of questions that matter to you
• Take notes (on your phone or in a notebook)
• Talk to at least one current student
• Walk through common spaces like the dining hall and student center
• Notice how it feels, not just how it looks
• Ask yourself: Can I picture myself here?