6 Must-Have College Visit Items

Prepare for Campus Visits By Packing These Essentials For high school students across the country, college visit season is in full swing. Many students are eager to go on school visits to refine their list of best-fit colleges, start to picture themselves on a campus, and explore all of their options. College visits are an important part of the application process, so it is essential for students and parents to come prepared and ready to focus on each school they are touring. Keep reading for a few travel essentials that will help you out your best foot forward on every campus visit. Portable Phone ChargerIt’s important to tune into every detail on each college tour. Use your phone to take pictures of campus landmarks and even record any important information you learn from your tour guide. A portable phone charger will ensure that you don’t run out of battery, even if you schedule two college visits in the same day. Notebook + FolderIn addition to using your phone to record details, bring a notebook to write down facts and maybe reflect on the search process. Throughout each tour, jot down any facts or figures that stand out to you. After a visit, take some time to expand on these notes and detail your opinions about each college. Later on, these notes can help you refine your college list and focus in on schools that feel like true best-fit options. Folders are key when it comes to keeping all of your notes organized and holding onto any paperwork or handouts you receive during your visit. A folder can help students stay organized and ensure that all of the information from the visit can be easily accessed at a later date. Avoid any folders with school logos, particularly if they are for another college. While it may seem small, wearing a shirt or carrying a folder from another school sends the wrong message; strive to show your enthusiasm for each college you are visiting. SweaterAlthough it may be spring, prepare for a variety of temperatures and conditions. The climate at the college town you are visiting may differ dramatically from your hometown, so bring an extra layer along to avoid shivering through each information session. It’s important to be comfortable during your college tours so that you can really focus in and absorb all of the information available. Water BottleExpect to cover a lot of mileage on college tours and prepare accordingly by bringing your own water bottle. Not only will this help you stay hydrated and energized throughout a tour and QA session, it can also be beneficial when it comes to cutting down on expenses. Many on-campus dining halls can be pricey for visitors, so preparing your own snacks and water in advanced can help students save on food and dining expenses. Comfortable ShoesIn addition to stocking up on water, it’s important to choose footwear that will be comfortable even after spending hours on your feet. While heels or brand new boots might seem like a good idea before the tour, it’s likely that they won’t feel like the best decision after walking several miles. Stick with sneakers or flats that you’ve worn before and save fancier options for admissions interviews or meetings. BookThere may be some wait time, particularly in between tours if you plan on attending two college visits in one day. Take advantage of this time to sneak in a little independent reading or catch up on an assigned text for school. College tours can feel intimidating at first, but preparing in advanced can help build your confidence and ensure that you get the most out of each visit. If you are currently planning school visits, our team of expert admissions counselors can help you plan for each tour.