How to maximize my time during a college visit?

College visits are most effective when you plan strategically to experience both official and unofficial aspects of campus life. Start by arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour to explore the admissions office and pick up materials. During your visit, take detailed notes on your phone about specific features, programs, or locations that stand out to you ? these details will be invaluable when writing your "why this college" essays later.

To maximize your campus visit time, attend an official information session and tour, but also plan for independent exploration. After the formal tour ends, revisit areas that particularly interested you. Walk through academic buildings where you might take classes, and if possible, sit in on a class in your intended major. The student union and dining halls are excellent places to observe everyday student life and potentially strike up conversations with current students.

Since you're visiting both UNC Chapel Hill and NC State, compare similar facilities at each school. Visit their libraries, athletic facilities, and student centers. These shared features will help you understand what makes each campus unique. Consider timing your visit to include lunch in a dining hall or coffee at a popular campus café ? this gives you a authentic taste of student life.

Before leaving campus, spend time in the surrounding neighborhood. For UNC, explore Franklin Street, and for NC State, check out Hillsborough Street. These areas will give you a sense of off-campus life and local culture. Take photos throughout your visit, but also document your emotional reactions and gut feelings about each campus. These impressions often prove crucial in your final college decision.

Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and check the weather forecast to dress appropriately. Staying comfortable will help you focus on gathering information rather than dealing with physical discomfort. If possible, schedule your visits during regular class days rather than weekends or holidays to see the campus at its most active.