A campus tour is a great way to make sure a college you’re considering is the right fit for you. Stepping foot on campus will reveal so much more about whether you’ll feel at home at a particular school than whether the college offers the major you want to study or has facilities that are important to you. To gain the full benefits of campus tours, it’s important to ask questions — to the person giving the tour, to the students you meet, and even to yourself.
- How Do the Professors Make Classes Engaging?
It’s crucial to choose a college where the teaching style will keep you engaged. In addition to their regular lectures, the professors may offer hands-on learning experiences, organize field trips, and invite guest lecturers to speak. Ask the students you meet what they particularly enjoy about their classes. - How Do You Communicate with Your Professors?
Another way to gauge the quality of the education is to ask students about the interactions they have with their professors. Do the professors welcome discussions and questions in class? Do they answer emails quickly? Are office hours useful? - Have You Had an Internship?
During your later years at college, you’ll likely want to have an internship to gain work experience and build connections in your field. In fact, an internship may be a requirement to graduate. Ask students about their experiences with internships to learn about the support available for finding and applying for suitable options. - What Is Your Social Life Like?
In addition to academics, you need to consider the social life at a particular college. Ask students what kinds of extracurriculars are on offer, what they like to do in their spare time, and how they spend their weekends. - What’s the Food Like?
You’ll definitely be eating on campus at least some of the time. You won’t always have long enough breaks to go home to make a meal or to head to your favourite restaurant off campus. For this reason, the kind of food you find in the dining hall is important. Ask students about the options available, and perhaps try one of the top choices yourself during the tour. - Can I See Myself Studying Here?
Try to imagine yourself on campus. Does it feel right to you? - How Do the Students Seem?
Consider how the students around campus look. Do they seem happy, or stressed? When you talk to them, do they speak positively about the school and seem enthusiastic? - What Is My Gut Feeling?
Whereas a gut feeling may not be enough to choose your college, it is important for assessing the emotions you’re unable to put into words. If a college gives you a good feeling, it’s worth researching further. However, you should consider dismissing any college where you don’t feel fully comfortable on campus.
On the day of your campus tour, make sure you also visit some student rentals. Peterborough has the perfect off-campus housing at Severn Court. When you live here, you’ll have a private room (with your own door lock and thermostat) in a six-bedroom unit with two bathrooms. Located just across the street from Fleming College, it will be easy to reach campus and make it to your classes on time. Contact us to book a tour.
