Visiting a college campus is one of the most important steps in the college search process. A well-planned tour allows you to experience campus life, ask key questions, and determine if a school is the right fit for you. A college tour provides a first-hand look at campus culture, academics, and student life. While tour guides will cover key details like class sizes, housing, and dining options, it’s important to ask deeper questions to fully understand the college experience.
To help you maximize your campus visit, we’ve compiled a list of essential questions to ask, tips for parents and guardians, and strategies to get the most out of your tour.
Questions to Ask on a College Tour
When visiting a SUNY college, don’t be afraid to ask your tour guide about their experiences. Here are some must-ask questions about academics, student life, safety, and other opportunities.
Academic & Class Experience
- Why did you choose this school?
- What makes your campus unique?
- What is your favorite class?
- Are classes more lecture-based, discussion-based, or project-based?
- How easy is it to change majors or add a second major?
Student Life & Campus Culture
- What do students do when they’re not in class?
- What is the atmosphere like on campus?
- What SUNY student support services are available? (Tutoring, counseling, career services)
- How diverse and inclusive is the student body?
Safety & Accessibility
- Have you or a friend ever felt unsafe on campus?
- What campus security measures are in place?
- What accessibility accommodations does the school provide?
Career & Work Opportunities
- What work-study or on-campus job opportunities are available?
- How active is the alumni network in helping students find jobs?
- What internship or co-op programs does the school offer?
Asking these questions will help you compare schools and make an informed decision.
Tips for Parents and Guardians
As a parent or guardian, you play a key role in the college search process. Here’s how to support your student during campus visits:
- Schedule
Try to avoid scheduling a tour at the last minute or during college holidays/breaks – you want to see the campus in action. Work with your student to identify a weekday and be aware that some campus open house programs occur on weekends. The campus will most likely confirm parking and meeting location details upon registration. If not, ask! - Research
Some campuses offer additional opportunities to learn about campus and student life. For example, you can shadow a college student in a few classes or schedule a visit with specific academic departments of interest. Speak with your student to determine interest in participating as these are great experiences that enhance general campus tours. - Prep for the Trip
Discuss the questions you plan to ask with your student. Bring a notepad and pen to write down thoughts and important information. We also suggest bringing water, a snack, a charger, and outdoor wear (depending on weather). - Arrive Early
Arrive at least 20 minutes before the tour starts to orient yourselves. You don’t want to risk missing any parts of the tour or have trouble finding your group once they have left the meeting point. - Explore
If you have time, plan for an additional 20 minutes after the tour for you and your student to explore on your own. The student experience doesn’t end with the campus tour – take time to look around the surrounding community and grab a meal. Keep an eye out for the nearest grocery store, bank, post office, or pharmacy. These are common places that students travel to that may not be found on campus.
Visiting a college campus is a pivotal step in choosing the right school. Take your time, ask questions, and picture yourself as a student there.
Looking for more college prep tips? Make sure your applications are complete too while you are touring campuses. Check out our College Application Checklist to stay on track!
