What Parents Should Look for During a College Visit: a Guide to Supporting Your Student

August 13, 2026

Visiting college campuses is an exciting milestone for students and their families. It is an opportunity to see beyond brochures and websites and get a feel for what everyday college life might look like.

As a parent, do not feel the need to ask every question. Instead, think of yourself as an observer. From campus safety and student support to the overall atmosphere, in this blog post we explore what to look for during a college visit and how to help determine whether a college feels like the right fit.

How to Prepare Before You Visit

A successful campus visit begins before you arrive.

Take some time to research the college’s academic programs, student organizations, internship opportunities, and career outcomes.

Before your visit, sit down together and make a list of questions you’d both like answered. It’s also helpful to review the campus map and visit schedule ahead of time. Knowing where you’ll be going can help you make the most of your time on campus and leave room for exploring on your own.

What to Look for During the Campus Tour

St. John's University campus in the springtime

Get a Feel for the Campus Environment.

As you walk through campus, pay attention to how the community feels.

Beyond the highlights included on the official tour, notice the places where students spend much of their day, including classrooms, libraries, dining areas, residence halls, and student centers.

At a university such as St. John’s University, you might notice how students use shared spaces between classes, whether they’re studying in the library, grabbing a meal with friends, or participating in campus activities. These everyday moments can give you a better sense of the community than a tour stop alone.

Think about questions such as

Can I picture my student feeling comfortable here?
Does the campus feel welcoming and inclusive?
Do students seem actively involved in campus life?
Does the environment match what my student seeks?

While rankings and statistics can be helpful when comparing colleges, the overall atmosphere can be just as important. A campus visit allows your family to see whether the college feels like a place where your student could build relationships, explore their interests, and feel at home.

Learn About Campus Safety.

Campus safety is an important consideration for every family, and a campus visit is an excellent opportunity to learn how a university supports students.

At St. John’s University, for example, families visiting the Queens, NY, campus can ask about public safety, transportation, and the resources available to students as they move around campus throughout the day and evening.

Consider asking campus tour guides

What safety measures are in place for residence halls?
Is campus security available 24 hours a day?
Are walking escorts or shuttle services available at night?
How are students notified during emergencies?
What resources are available for students living on or near campus?

Explore Student Support Resources.

During your visit, learn about the resources available to help students succeed inside and outside the classroom. Depending on your student’s needs and interests, you may want to explore

Academic advising
Tutoring and learning support
Career services and internship preparation
Mental health and wellness resources
Health services
Student organizations and leadership opportunities

Don’t be afraid to ask how students actually connect with these resources. Are appointments easy to schedule? Can students access support throughout the year? Do faculty, administrators, and staff encourage students to seek help when they need it?

The strongest campus communities create an environment where students feel comfortable using resources available to them.

Let Your Student Take the Lead.

One of the most valuable things parents can do during a college visit is step back and let their student take the lead.

Encourage them to ask questions, introduce themselves to admission counselors, and strike up conversations with current students. These interactions can provide insights that brochures and websites can’t.

You may be tempted to jump in when your student forgets a question or seems unsure of what to say. Instead, give them a moment to respond for themselves.

Give them space to share what’s important to them. This helps build confidence and encourages them to take ownership of their college search.

Visit St. John’s University.

If your student is considering St. John’s, the best way to experience it is to see it for yourself.

We invite you and your family to schedule a campus tour, meet current students, explore our Queens campus, and discover how our supportive community helps students thrive from their first day through graduation.

Explore St. John’s Today