When choosing a college or university, there are many things to consider — location, student life and academics — but some of the most important aspects aren’t obvious at first glance. One of the most effective ways to discover if a school is the right fit for you is through a campus visit.
So, what exactly is a campus visit?
A campus visit is a scheduled time when prospective students spend the day on campus to learn more. These visits can range from a simple walking tour led by a student guide to more immersive experiences, like hearing from panels, first-year residence hall tours and even overnight stays. Feel free to bring your family along as you meet with faculty, chat with current students or dine on campus during an extended visit.
No matter the format, a campus visit offers an invaluable chance to see real student life in action. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in casual conversations with students. Hearing their honest perspectives is one of the best ways to understand what your experience might be like.
While there’s a lot to take in, keeping these elements in mind can help you decide whether the university you are visiting is the place for you.
Seven Things to Look For
1. Discover Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Stop by the offices that help students with career planning, internships and networking. See how universities prepare students for meaningful work after graduation. Ask about study abroad, undergraduate research, internships and service learning. These experiences help connect academic growth to real-world impact. For example, Belmont University hosts undergraduate research symposiums that showcase student work across disciplines.
Alumnus Christian Candler recounts his time conducting undergraduate research saying, “That’s when it all clicked. This is what I want to continue to do for the rest of my life.”
Find Out if Student Activities Align with your Interests
2. Identify Hidden Study Spots
Having a variety of environments tailored to different needs helps students succeed by providing the right space for every situation. Find out where current students prefer to study. Whether that’s a coffee shop, the library, or a tucked-away lounge inside academic buildings, these places often reveal the true flow of campus life.
Do you study better with friends? Many campuses have spaces equipped with whiteboards for brainstorming and working together. Do you like to study alone or need to be alone to practice your music? Be sure the university has quiet study rooms or practice rooms to help you stay focused and excel in their coursework.
3. Connect on Social Media
You may already follow the university’s main Instagram, but there’s more to explore. Check out accounts for specific colleges, departments or student group. Accounts like these often show day-to-day campus moments and events you won’t find on the central channel. Don’t forget about TikTok, where students and organizations share what they’re passionate about and what campus life really looks like from their perspective. Head to LinkedIn to explore professional opportunities through the university, see how alumni are using their degrees and check out jobs or internships connected to the university .
4. Determine Faculty Accessibility
Professors can make or break the classroom experience, so take time to learn beyond what’s on the website. Note how students feel about their professors, including whether their teaching styles are engaging, grading is fair and faculty are approachable during office hours. Your visit is also a great chance to meet professors in your intended major, learn about the classes they teach and hear about the ways they support students.
At Belmont, chances for meaningful interactions are plentiful both inside and outside the classroom. With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, there are plenty of opportunities to connect personally with professors.
5. Check Out Academic Success Resources
Take the time during your visit to learn where the library is, ask if the school offers free access to academic journals and explore what kind of tutoring programs or learning centers are available to support students. Don’t forget to see if walk-in help is available, check out group study spaces or ask about skill-building workshops. All of these supports can enhance your academic success.
6. Analyze Holistic Health Services
Access to diverse health and wellness resources helps students balance their studies with self-care. Many campuses offer support that goes beyond academics to include mental, emotional and physical well-being.
Coaching programs, like Belmont’s Growth & Purpose for Students, help students plan their academic journey, explore options and recover from setbacks.- Counseling and wellness initiatives support mental health
- on-campus pharmacies and fitness facilities provide resources for physical well-being.
During a visit, it’s useful to learn where these services are and ask current students about their experiences.
7. Reflect on How the Campus Makes You Feel
Beyond the services and resources, pause to think: How does this place feel? Trust your instincts. The best fit is one where you feel not only comfortable but also inspired to grow.
Pay attention to how students carry themselves as you walk around. Do they seem collaborative, relaxed or always in a hurry? Notice whether they greet each other or help strangers.
Does the energy align with the kind of college environment you can see yourself growing and contributing to? Together, these impressions will give you aclearer picture of your potential college experience.
For even more campus visit insights, check out 15 Things to Look for in a Campus Visit.
Learn More
Plan Your Visit to Belmont University.