What questions should I definitely ask during a college visit?

Ask the questions that admissions brochures don’t answer. Think: “What do students do on weekends that isn’t just homework or laundry?” or “How easy is it to switch majors when your physics dreams turn into an art history reality?” Focus on academics, student life, campus safety, housing, and career support. Remember your goals—and that one of these goals is to leave campus feeling like you just interviewed your future roommate, academic advisor, and therapist—all in one. Keep in mind that you’re not just choosing a school; you’re choosing where you’ll probably learn to do your own laundry. So, ask boldly!

Should I talk to current students during my college visit?

Yes. A thousand times yes. Tour guides are great, but current students are the unscripted version of campus life. They’ll tell you the truth about 8 a.m. classes (don’t do it), what dining hall food is actually edible, and whether the Wi-Fi gives up faster than you during finals. Ask what they love, what’s overrated, and what they wish they knew before enrolling. You'll get the inside scoop—and maybe a cafeteria hack involving Nutella and the waffle machine. Pro tip: chat with more than one student to get a full picture. Gossip is useful, but balanced gossip is golden.

What’s the best way to prepare for a college visit?

The best way to prep for a college visit is to come with questions and comfy shoes as your first steps. Print a checklist (like ours!) so you're not just nodding through the campus tour while mentally ranking dorms by how much they smell like ramen. Research the school beforehand—know a few stats, programs, or quirky facts so your questions are actually relevant (and you don’t accidentally ask a women’s college about their football team). Bring a notebook or use your Notes app—trust us, after three visits, they all start to blur. And don’t forget to explore the town. You’re not living in the library for four years… probably.

Is it weird to ask about food, dorms, and parties during a college visit?

Weird? Nope—essential. The thing about boarding schools or living in dorms is that you’re not just attending classes, you’re living there. So, ask about dorm options, roommate matching, meal plans (Is there pizza at 2 a.m.?), and what students do for fun. You’re allowed to care if the only “nightlife” is a vending machine and a study group. Learning thrives in a comfortable, safe environment, so ask about dining quality, housing repairs, campus security, and community vibes. Don’t be shy—college is part Hogwarts, part adulting bootcamp. You deserve to know if the castle has Wi-Fi and the Great Hall serves more than lukewarm mac and cheese.

The Ultimate Guide to College Visit Questions: What to Ask on a Campus Tour

So, you’re headed on a college visit. Congrats! Time to squint at dorm rooms, fake laugh at tour guide jokes, and nod sagely while your parents ask about laundry. But here’s the real secret: you’re not just there to walk backward across a campus (looking at you, tour guides)—you’re there to ask the real questions. The ones that actually tell you if this place is your future Hogwarts or just four years of regret with better cafeteria food.

Let’s break it down by who you’ll meet, what you should ask, and how to not sound like a human spreadsheet while doing it.

Essential Questions for College Visits: What to Ask Admissions & Beyond

These are your bread-and-butter, big-picture questions—perfect for admissions officers or when your parents inevitably go “So… what do you want to know?”

Understanding the College’s Admissions Philosophy and Identity

What are admissions officers looking for in applicants?
Translation: How do I get in without sacrificing my soul?
What makes this college different from others?
Bonus points if they don’t answer with “we’re like a family.”

Navigating Academics: Majors, Flexibility, and Support Systems

What are the most popular majors?
Aka: What will I actually be surrounded by? Engineers? Artists? Econ bros?
How easy is it to switch majors or double major?
Because no one actually sticks with “marine biology and Italian poetry” forever.
What does academic advising look like here?
Will I have someone to help me schedule my life, or is it YouTube tutorials and vibes?

Questions to Ask Current Students: Get the Inside Scoop on Campus Life

Current students are your holy grail. They know what the brochure won’t tell you. Be cool, be curious, and maybe bribe them with a coffee.

Daily Life and Student Satisfaction: The Real College Experience

What do you like most and least about this school?
You’re looking for the tea, not the tour.
What do students usually do on weekends?
Study parties? Netflix comas? Cow tipping? (Depends on location.)

Support, Culture, and Comfort: What It’s Really Like to Live and Learn

How accessible are professors outside of class?
Can you actually talk to them, or are they mythical creatures who vanish after lecture?
How would you describe the campus culture or community?
Chill? Competitive? Lowkey cultish?
Have you had any issues with housing, dining, or safety?
Basically: Will I starve, sleep in a closet, or befriend campus security?

Questions to Ask Your Campus Tour Guide: Unlock Hidden Insights

Tour guides are trained to hype the place, but some slip up and give you gold. Ask these to find cracks in the brochure polish:

Choosing and Adjusting to Campus Life

Why did you choose this college?
Real talk: Was it the dorms or the scholarships?
What surprised you most after enrolling?
Hopefully not the squirrels stealing food or Wi-Fi cutting out in half the dorms.

Daily Rhythms and Campus Traditions

Are there any school traditions or signature events?
Think naked runs, tug-of-war battles, or pancake breakfasts with the president.
What’s a typical day like for a student?
If they say “it varies,” translate to: “I don’t know, I’m sleep-deprived.”

Questions to Ask Professors or Academic Staff: Uncover Academic Details & Opportunities

Don’t be afraid to nerd out a little here. You want to know what you’re really signing up for academically.

Inside the Classroom: Learning Environment, Research, and Academic Support

What are class sizes like, especially for first-years?
Lecture hall of 500 or cozy seminar with 12 people and one awkward silence?
How easy is it to get involved in research?
Can you actually help discover something, or just wash beakers?
What academic support services are available?
Because sometimes, no, you won’t understand organic chemistry the first time.

Questions to Ask About Campus Resources and Support: Crucial Services for Student Success

Support = success. You want to make sure this place won’t leave you flailing during midterms.

Wellness, Inclusion, and Academic Support

What mental health and wellness services are available?
Therapy? Mindfulness apps? Emergency chocolate stations?
How does the school support first-generation or minority students?
Resources, real talk, and representation — ask for specifics.
Are there tutoring centers or writing labs?
For those times when your essay sounds like it was written by a sleep-deprived raccoon.

Questions to Ask About Internships and Career Services: Prepare for Your Future Career

You’re not just here for the vibes — you want to land a job eventually. Ask the career stuff early and often.

Life After Graduation

What internships do students usually get?
You want specifics, not just “something tech-y” or “some nonprofit.”
How helpful is the career center in finding jobs?
Do they ghost you after graduation, or are they your LinkedIn wingman?
What companies recruit students from this college?
Local mom-and-pops or Big Tech? Both are cool — just know what you’re signing up for.

Questions to Ask About Housing and Student Life: Your Home Away From Home

Let’s be real: this is where you sleep, eat, and cry after finals. Make sure it doesn’t suck.

Housing and Residential Life: Where You’ll Live and Who You’ll Live With

What are the dorm options for freshmen?
Are we talking Hogwarts or 1970s prison block?
How does roommate matching work?
Buzzfeed quiz? Random draw? Ancient scrolls?
Can students stay on campus all four years?
Or will you be apartment-hunting sophomore year with three strangers from Facebook?

Bonus: The Town Itself: Exploring the Surrounding College Community

Don’t forget to ask: What’s the surrounding town or city like? Eventually, you will need food, fun, or a haircut, and you don’t want to Uber for two hours.

Want a copy of the checklist for your next school tour or info session? You can easily download it here.

Need Help Navigating Campus Tours? Cardinal Education Can Lend a Hand!

Campus tours are great, but what you ask matters most. This is your sneak peek at the next four years—so take notes, ask boldly, and don’t be afraid to veer off-script. If you need a helping hand in navigating campus tours and campus visits, we can help you!

Our experts can coach students on what to look for beyond the brochure and support parents in identifying schools that align with academic goals, personality, and future plans.

Campus visits shouldn’t feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, they can be exciting, empowering, and even fun. Let us help you turn uncertainty into confidence—one tour at a time. Contact us now!

Like what you see here? We are happy to permit you to use our material as long as you link back! Please refer to us as the Cardinal Education Blog.

A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Private School Open Houses and Tours

The Role of Campus Visits in Choosing a School

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should I definitely ask during a college visit?
Ask the questions that admissions brochures don’t answer. Think: “What do students do on weekends that isn’t just homework or laundry?” or “How easy is it to switch majors when your physics dreams turn into an art history reality?” Focus on academics, student life, campus safety, housing, and career support. Remember your goals—and that one of these goals is to leave campus feeling like you just interviewed your future roommate, academic advisor, and therapist—all in one. Keep in mind that you’re not just choosing a school; you’re choosing where you’ll probably learn to do your own laundry. So, ask boldly!
Should I talk to current students during my college visit?
Yes. A thousand times yes. Tour guides are great, but current students are the unscripted version of campus life. They’ll tell you the truth about 8 a.m. classes (don’t do it), what dining hall food is actually edible, and whether the Wi-Fi gives up faster than you during finals. Ask what they love, what’s overrated, and what they wish they knew before enrolling. You’ll get the inside scoop—and maybe a cafeteria hack involving Nutella and the waffle machine. Pro tip: chat with more than one student to get a full picture. Gossip is useful, but balanced gossip is golden.
What’s the best way to prepare for a college visit?
The best way to prep for a college visit is to come with questions and comfy shoes as your first steps. Print a checklist (like ours!) so you’re not just nodding through the campus tour while mentally ranking dorms by how much they smell like ramen. Research the school beforehand—know a few stats, programs, or quirky facts so your questions are actually relevant (and you don’t accidentally ask a women’s college about their football team). Bring a notebook or use your Notes app—trust us, after three visits, they all start to blur. And don’t forget to explore the town. You’re not living in the library for four years… probably.
Is it weird to ask about food, dorms, and parties during a college visit?
Weird? Nope—essential. The thing about boarding schools or living in dorms is that you’re not just attending classes, you’re living there. So, ask about dorm options, roommate matching, meal plans (Is there pizza at 2 a.m.?), and what students do for fun. You’re allowed to care if the only “nightlife” is a vending machine and a study group. Learning thrives in a comfortable, safe environment, so ask about dining quality, housing repairs, campus security, and community vibes. Don’t be shy—college is part Hogwarts, part adulting bootcamp. You deserve to know if the castle has Wi-Fi and the Great Hall serves more than lukewarm mac and cheese.