45+ questions to ask college students on your campus visit

You know you’re supposed to compare colleges, list out your wants in a school, and at least start thinking about your major. And you know you should probably take a trip to some campuses – they can give you a truer picture of a school than a virtual tour can. But do you know what you should be doing during your visit?

Aside from simply seeing the main buildings (like the dorms and classrooms) and checking out the campus resources, you should take some time to talk to students walking around campus. After all, most of them were in your position just months ago and know exactly how you’re feeling.

It’s all about asking the right questions. Not sure where to start? We outline some must-know questions and tips below for your upcoming college visit and impromptu interviews with current college students.

Why should you talk to current college students?

Many of the people conducting the official campus tour, faculty, current students, and alumni alike, are trying to sell you on the school. They’re only going to give the college glowing reviews. By talking to everyday regular students, you can get a clearer, more realistic picture. They’re living the experience without trying to sell you something. Current students are more likely to give you an honest take on the school, campus, their classes, and the surrounding town.

We recommend talking to a few different students to get a good picture of the college. The first student you run into may give a very negative view of the school, but the following five could love it. Or vice versa. You don’t want to base your entire decision on one student.

When is the best time to visit a college campus?

Ideally, the best time to visit a college you’re interested in is during the spring or fall semesters when classes are in session. The college may have summer classes, but students will be few and far between. During the “regular” school year, students will be everywhere. There will be plenty of opportunities to find someone who isn’t in a rush.

Some students visit campuses before they submit their applications, while others wait until after they receive acceptance letters. Some even do both. If you have to travel far or it’ll cost a lot of money, we recommend going again after you receive your acceptance letter to the college to make sure it’s still a good fit.

And if you’re already visiting the college for an official tour, you should have plenty of time before or after to talk to some students.

What if you can’t visit in person?

Some students don’t always have the opportunity to travel to every campus on their list. If you’re in this boat, you can absolutely find current students virtually Go to social media and find students who are going to the school. You can look on the official Facebook page of the college and find students in the comments. Or you can go to the college’s subreddit on Reddit. There are plenty of places to find them online.

Questions to ask current college students

We’ve put together a list of some questions to ask current college students, either in person or online. You shouldn’t ask someone every single question on this list, especially if they’re rushing somewhere, but a few per student who agrees to talk to you should be fine. Of course, there will be some exceptions – you might just run into someone who wants to chat and is more than happy to answer all your questions.

• What sets this school apart from the others you may have applied to?
• Do you like the location of this school?
• How available is transportation to get on and off campus?
• Do you feel that this school prepares you for post-graduation?
• How easy is it to get involved on campus?
• After knowing everything you know now about this school, would you still have chosen to come here?
• Are there activities and excursions available to do throughout the week?
• Is there a big difference in the first-year experience compared to being an upperclassman?
• Does this school have any annual traditions?
• What activities are you involved in on campus?
• Did you find it easy to meet new people here?
• Do you feel that the professors at this school are helpful and available?
• Does this school place importance on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
• Does this school require or help you secure internships or co-op opportunities as a student?
• How big or small are the typical class sizes, or do they vary?
• What was the highlight of your first year of college?
• Are sports and extracurricular activities a big part of the experience here?
• Does this school offer academic coaching/tutoring opportunities?
• Are you able to work on campus? If so, what kinds of opportunities do they have for work study students?
• Do you feel this school actively listens to students’ concerns?
• How are the study abroad opportunities here? Did you or did anyone you know study abroad?
• Do you like the size of this campus? Do you find it too big, too small, or did you adjust well to it?
• Do you like the size of the undergraduate student population? Do you see familiar faces everyday or is it rare you see people you know around campus?
• Does this school offer any graduate school programs or accelerated programs where you can complete your Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in 5 years?
• Why did you choose to attend this college?
• What was your first-year experience like?
• Do you feel there’s a good support / transition program for first-year students?
• What is your favorite thing about this college? Least favorite?
• Where is your favorite study place on campus?
• Where is your favorite place to eat?
• What are you studying here?
• If you could change one thing about this college, what would it be?
• Are the career fairs good here?
• What are the financial aid opportunities like?
• What sort of campus events does the school put on?
• Any advice for incoming first-years?
• How approachable are the staff/faculty/administration?
• How would you describe the community atmosphere?
• What is the surrounding city/town/village like?
• What clubs, student organizations or extracurricular activities do you recommend?
• Did anything surprise you when you became a student (like costs or rules)?
• What is dorm life like?
• What would you say the school’s strengths are? Weaknesses?
• Do you feel this school supports your goals? How?
• Is there anything you wish you knew before you came here?
• Are there any courses you simply loved?

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it can hopefully get a conversation going and answer a few questions along the way. If you’re interested in being a student at that particular college, some of the best people you can talk to are the other students themselves.

You should also be asking questions important to you. If you find someone who is in your intended major, you might want to ask more pointed questions. Or if something is important to you, like a particular student organization, you may want to bring that up, too. You can absolutely pick and choose from the list above and create your own list.

Tips for talking to college students

1. Always be polite

When approaching students, in person or online, always be polite and considerate. Especially on campus, students may be in a rush to their next class. If you stop someone and they can’t talk (or don’t want to), be considerate and ask someone else. Students shouldn’t feel pressured to talk to you. You also don’t want to interrupt someone who is in the middle of studying or reading in the library.

To find students who have the time to talk to you, try checking out the Quad. If they’re relaxing, they likely have the opportunity to chat. Just be careful not to overstay your welcome.

Visitors should also keep in mind that not all students will know the answers to their questions. For example, if a student didn’t need financial assistance to attend the college, they likely don’t know about the financial aid programs at the school.

2. Start with questions important to you

With limited time, you likely want to prioritize your questions. You probably don’t want to start off the bat with “How is the food here?” Instead, consider what’s most important to you in college. Then work your way down your list as you talk to more students on campus. You can always ask those “less important” questions online, too.

3. Try to find someone with your major

If possible, try to find someone who is a junior or senior in your intended major. Look around an academic building corresponding with your major, and search for a student who can give you honest insight into the classes, coursework, internships, etc., revolving around your prospective field. There’s no better insight than from someone who’s living through your intended college experience right now. Ask questions about their career goals, why they chose the major, what they think of the classes so far, and any professors they recommend.

4. Don’t go anywhere you’re not allowed

Never wander into places you’re not allowed to be on campus. You don’t want to sneak into the dorm rooms or into a class. Getting caught could land you in serious trouble. You could be banned from the school before you’ve even had a chance to submit an application.

5. Don't be shy

While it can feel intimidating to talk to people you don't know, open yourself up and don't be shy. You'll be meeting tons of new people and remember, you aren't the only one. Other students are all in the same boat as you.

Will you be planning a trip to a college campus soon? It can be extremely helpful to go with these questions in your back pocket. Just remember to keep in mind what you want out of a college during your conversation. This can help direct your questions.

If you’re still not sure what colleges you want to attend or which might be the right match for your wants and needs, we recommend using College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool. You can enter your wants, needs, grades, and more to find the perfect college for you.